GSEP vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September 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 | GSEP | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $345M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.53% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.61% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.70% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 15, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
GSEP vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (GSEP) 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 GSEP returned +11.61% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GSEP is up 7.53% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GSEP compounded at +11.70% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, GSEP has the edge at +11.70% 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 6.0% for GSEP. 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 -10.1% for GSEP 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSEP 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, GSEP currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GSEP 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, GSEP or VTI?
GSEP 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, GSEP or VTI?
Over the past year GSEP returned +11.61% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GSEP annualized +11.70% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSEP or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.0% for GSEP. Worst drawdown: GSEP -10.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GSEP and VTI?
GSEP and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 GSEP and VTI?
GSEP and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSEP or VTI?
GSEP yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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