SMAY vs VTI
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - May vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, SMAY or VTI?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | SMAY | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $112M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 10 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +7.74% | +12.28%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.33% | +16.78%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.74% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.94% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.7%Best | 13.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -14.4%Best | -19.3% |
| $10,000 over 3.3 years | $13,840 | $18,753Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 19, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: May 22, 2023 to Sep 17, 2026 (3.3 years).
SMAY 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 3.3 years both funds cover.
SMAY vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - May (SMAY) 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 SMAY returned +11.33% while VTI returned +16.78%. Year to date, SMAY is up 7.74% versus a gain of 12.28% for VTI.
Over three years, SMAY compounded at +10.74% per year against +20.89% 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 13.2% compared with 9.7% for SMAY. 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 -14.4% for SMAY 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMAY 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, SMAY currently yields 0.00% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SMAY 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, SMAY or VTI?
SMAY 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, SMAY or VTI?
Over the past year SMAY returned +11.33% vs +16.78% 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, SMAY or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 13.2% annualized versus 9.7% for SMAY. Worst drawdown: SMAY -14.4% vs VTI -19.3%.
Should I hold both SMAY and VTI?
SMAY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, 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, SMAY or VTI?
SMAY yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than SMAY?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.