HYTI vs VTI
FT Vest High Yield & Target Income ETF 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 | HYTI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $91M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.45% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.74% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.56% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
HYTI vs VTI Performance
FT Vest High Yield & Target Income ETF (HYTI) 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 HYTI returned +5.56% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, HYTI is up 2.74% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.6% for HYTI. 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 -4.5% for HYTI 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYTI charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYTI currently yields 10.45% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HYTI or VTI?
HYTI has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYTI or VTI?
Over the past year HYTI returned +5.56% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HYTI annualized +6.49% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYTI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.6% for HYTI. Worst drawdown: HYTI -4.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HYTI and VTI?
HYTI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYTI or VTI?
HYTI yields 10.45% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HYTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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