SFEB vs VTI
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - February vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, SFEB or VTI?
Option Writing against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SFEB | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $129M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 10 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +10.13% | +12.30%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.84% | +16.08%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.01% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.6%Best | 12.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -16.7%Best | -19.3% |
| $10,000 over 2.6 years | $13,290 | $15,757Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 20, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 20, 2024 to Sep 18, 2026 (2.6 years).
SFEB vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.6 years both funds cover.
SFEB vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - February (SFEB) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SFEB returned +13.84% while VTI returned +16.08%. Year to date, SFEB is up 10.13% versus a gain of 12.30% for VTI.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.3% compared with 9.6% for SFEB. 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 -16.7% for SFEB and -19.3% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SFEB charges 0.90% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $3 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SFEB currently yields 0.00% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SFEB and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SFEB or VTI?
SFEB has an expense ratio of 0.90% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $87 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SFEB or VTI?
Over the past year SFEB returned +13.84% vs +16.08% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SFEB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 12.3% annualized versus 9.6% for SFEB. Worst drawdown: SFEB -16.7% vs VTI -19.3%.
Should I hold both SFEB and VTI?
SFEB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SFEB or VTI?
SFEB yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than SFEB?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.