FYX vs VTI
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FYX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 526 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +26.61% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.09% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.80% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FYX vs VTI Performance
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) 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 FYX returned +41.09% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, FYX is up 26.61% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, FYX compounded at +21.44% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.80% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FYX has the edge at +8.83% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -62.1% for FYX 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYX charges 0.58% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYX currently yields 0.90% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FYX and VTI share 394 holdings out of 2902 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, FYX or VTI?
FYX has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYX or VTI?
Over the past year FYX returned +41.09% vs +22.35% for VTI, so FYX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FYX annualized +8.83% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYX or VTI?
FYX has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FYX -62.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FYX and VTI?
FYX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYX and VTI?
FYX and VTI share 394 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2902 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYX or VTI?
FYX yields 0.90% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.