NFRA vs VTI
FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund 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 | NFRA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.67% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 217 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.74% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.63% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.86% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.97% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 8, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
NFRA vs VTI Performance
FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NFRA returned +10.63% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, NFRA is up 9.74% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, NFRA compounded at +13.86% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.97% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +5.41%. 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 12.6% for NFRA. 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 -32.9% for NFRA 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFRA charges 0.47% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $3 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFRA currently yields 5.67% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NFRA and VTI share 56 holdings out of 2906 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NFRA or VTI?
NFRA has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NFRA or VTI?
Over the past year NFRA returned +10.63% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), NFRA annualized +5.41% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NFRA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.6% for NFRA. Worst drawdown: NFRA -32.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NFRA and VTI?
NFRA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NFRA and VTI?
NFRA and VTI share 56 common holdings with a 3.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2906 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFRA or VTI?
NFRA yields 5.67% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NFRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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