FYT vs VTI
First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FYT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $202M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +27.20% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.67% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.04% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.26% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
FYT vs VTI Performance
First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FYT) 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 FYT returned +35.67% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, FYT is up 27.20% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FYT compounded at +16.04% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.26% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FYT has the edge at +9.21% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.4% 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 -51.7% for FYT 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYT 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, FYT currently yields 1.43% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FYT and VTI share 203 holdings out of 2844 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FYT or VTI?
FYT 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, FYT or VTI?
Over the past year FYT returned +35.67% vs +21.39% for VTI, so FYT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FYT annualized +9.21% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYT or VTI?
FYT has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FYT -51.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FYT and VTI?
FYT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYT and VTI?
FYT and VTI share 203 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2844 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYT or VTI?
FYT yields 1.43% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FYT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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