GMAY vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - May 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 | GMAY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $545M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.73% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.70% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.95% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
GMAY vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - May (GMAY) 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 GMAY returned +9.70% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, GMAY is up 5.73% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, GMAY compounded at +11.95% per year against +21.54% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, GMAY has the edge at +12.01% annualized vs +8.07%. 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 6.1% for GMAY. 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 -11.8% for GMAY 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
GMAY 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, GMAY currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GMAY 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, GMAY or VTI?
GMAY 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, GMAY or VTI?
Over the past year GMAY returned +9.70% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GMAY annualized +12.01% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GMAY or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.1% for GMAY. Worst drawdown: GMAY -11.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GMAY and VTI?
GMAY 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 GMAY and VTI?
GMAY and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GMAY or VTI?
GMAY yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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