LEGR vs VTI
First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. LEGR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LEGR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $131M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 112 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.97% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.80% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.10% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.83% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
LEGR vs VTI Performance
First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF (LEGR) 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 LEGR returned +24.80% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, LEGR is up 11.97% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, LEGR compounded at +24.10% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.83% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, LEGR has the edge at +11.42% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LEGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -36.1% for LEGR 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
LEGR 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, LEGR currently yields 1.79% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
LEGR and VTI share 40 holdings out of 2852 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LEGR or VTI?
LEGR 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, LEGR or VTI?
Over the past year LEGR returned +24.80% vs +22.35% for VTI, so LEGR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), LEGR annualized +11.42% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LEGR or VTI?
LEGR has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: LEGR -36.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LEGR and VTI?
LEGR 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 LEGR and VTI?
LEGR and VTI share 40 common holdings with a 17.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2852 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LEGR or VTI?
LEGR yields 1.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so LEGR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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