ROBT vs VTI
First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ROBT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $704M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.47% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.87% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.57% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.08% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
ROBT vs VTI Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ROBT returned +18.87% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, ROBT is up 13.47% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, ROBT compounded at +11.57% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.08% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, ROBT has the edge at +8.59% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROBT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.6% 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 -44.5% for ROBT 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ROBT 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, ROBT currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ROBT and VTI share 64 holdings out of 2833 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ROBT or VTI?
ROBT 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, ROBT or VTI?
Over the past year ROBT returned +18.87% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), ROBT annualized +8.59% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ROBT or VTI?
ROBT has been the more volatile fund at 23.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ROBT -44.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ROBT and VTI?
ROBT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 ROBT and VTI?
ROBT and VTI share 64 common holdings with a 13.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2833 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ROBT or VTI?
ROBT yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.