GJUL vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - July 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 | GJUL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $410M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.53% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.27% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.71% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 21, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
GJUL vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - July (GJUL) 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 GJUL returned +12.27% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GJUL is up 7.53% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GJUL compounded at +13.71% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, GJUL has the edge at +12.57% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 6.5% for GJUL. 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 -10.7% for GJUL 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GJUL charges 0.85% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GJUL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GJUL and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 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, GJUL or VTI?
GJUL has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GJUL or VTI?
Over the past year GJUL returned +12.27% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GJUL annualized +12.57% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GJUL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.5% for GJUL. Worst drawdown: GJUL -10.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GJUL and VTI?
GJUL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GJUL and VTI?
GJUL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GJUL or VTI?
GJUL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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