MGOV vs VTI
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities 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 | MGOV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $101M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.95% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 206 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.22% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.72% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.01% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
MGOV vs VTI Performance
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) 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 MGOV returned +2.72% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, MGOV is down 0.22% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, MGOV compounded at +5.01% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +4.49%. 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 6.4% for MGOV. 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 -6.1% for MGOV 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MGOV 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, MGOV currently yields 4.95% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MGOV and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2856 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, MGOV or VTI?
MGOV 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, MGOV or VTI?
Over the past year MGOV returned +2.72% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MGOV annualized +4.49% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MGOV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.4% for MGOV. Worst drawdown: MGOV -6.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MGOV and VTI?
MGOV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MGOV and VTI?
MGOV and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2856 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGOV or VTI?
MGOV yields 4.95% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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