KNG vs VTI
FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats 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 | KNG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.28% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 139 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.64% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.77% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.96% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.27% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
KNG vs VTI Performance
FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) 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 KNG returned +8.77% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, KNG is up 7.64% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, KNG compounded at +7.96% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.27% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +7.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KNG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -35.1% for KNG 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNG charges 0.74% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNG currently yields 8.28% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
KNG and VTI share 61 holdings out of 2795 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KNG or VTI?
KNG has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNG or VTI?
Over the past year KNG returned +8.77% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), KNG annualized +7.40% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNG or VTI?
KNG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: KNG -35.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KNG and VTI?
KNG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KNG and VTI?
KNG and VTI share 61 common holdings with a 9.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNG or VTI?
KNG yields 8.28% while VTI yields 1.07%, so KNG 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.