FXY vs VTI
Invesco CurrencyShares Japanese Yen Trust vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $455M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.59% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.71% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -3.20% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.62% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FXY vs VTI Performance
Invesco CurrencyShares Japanese Yen Trust (FXY) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FXY returned -7.71% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, FXY is down 1.59% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FXY compounded at -3.20% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -7.62% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs -1.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.7% for FXY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -57.0% for FXY and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXY charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXY currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXY or VTI?
FXY has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXY or VTI?
Over the past year FXY returned -7.71% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FXY annualized -1.83% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXY or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.7% for FXY. Worst drawdown: FXY -57.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FXY and VTI?
FXY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXY or VTI?
FXY yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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