KNGZ vs VTI
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. KNGZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KNGZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $67M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.83% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.76% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.80% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.25% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
KNGZ vs VTI Performance
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) 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 KNGZ returned +25.76% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, KNGZ is up 19.83% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, KNGZ compounded at +17.80% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.25% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, KNGZ has the edge at +10.34% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KNGZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -37.5% for KNGZ 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNGZ charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNGZ currently yields 2.52% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
KNGZ and VTI share 88 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KNGZ or VTI?
KNGZ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNGZ or VTI?
Over the past year KNGZ returned +25.76% vs +22.35% for VTI, so KNGZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), KNGZ annualized +10.34% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNGZ or VTI?
KNGZ has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: KNGZ -37.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KNGZ and VTI?
KNGZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 KNGZ and VTI?
KNGZ and VTI share 88 common holdings with a 14.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNGZ or VTI?
KNGZ yields 2.52% while VTI yields 1.07%, so KNGZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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