FYC vs VTI
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FYC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +27.48% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.98% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.25% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.07% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
FYC vs VTI Performance
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FYC returned +45.98% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, FYC is up 27.48% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, FYC compounded at +27.25% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.07% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FYC has the edge at +12.61% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 15.4% 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 -48.1% for FYC 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYC charges 0.70% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYC currently yields 0.07% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FYC and VTI share 191 holdings out of 2852 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FYC or VTI?
FYC has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYC or VTI?
Over the past year FYC returned +45.98% vs +22.39% for VTI, so FYC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FYC annualized +12.61% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYC or VTI?
FYC has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FYC -48.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FYC and VTI?
FYC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYC and VTI?
FYC and VTI share 191 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2852 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYC or VTI?
FYC yields 0.07% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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