FXZ vs VTI
First Trust Materials AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FXZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $390M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.42% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +29.32% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.94% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.32% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.57% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FXZ vs VTI Performance
First Trust Materials AlphaDEX Fund (FXZ) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FXZ returned +46.94% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, FXZ is up 29.32% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FXZ compounded at +11.32% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.57% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FXZ has the edge at +8.35% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -66.0% for FXZ 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXZ charges 0.64% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $3 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXZ currently yields 1.42% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FXZ and VTI share 32 holdings out of 2794 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXZ or VTI?
FXZ has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXZ or VTI?
Over the past year FXZ returned +46.94% vs +21.39% for VTI, so FXZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXZ annualized +8.35% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXZ or VTI?
FXZ has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FXZ -66.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FXZ and VTI?
FXZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXZ and VTI?
FXZ and VTI share 32 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2794 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXZ or VTI?
FXZ yields 1.42% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FXZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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