VTI vs XOCT
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October
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 | VTI | XOCT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $72M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.96% | +6.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.39% | +10.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.51% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 4.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -10.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Oct 20, 2023 |
VTI vs XOCT Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October (XOCT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% while XOCT returned +10.13%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.96% versus a gain of 6.14% for XOCT.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 4.7% for XOCT. 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 -56.6% for VTI and -10.0% for XOCT. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XOCT charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.00% for XOCT.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XOCT share 0 holdings out of 2784 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, VTI or XOCT?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XOCT charges 0.85%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or XOCT?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% vs +10.13% for XOCT, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +10.49% for XOCT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XOCT?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 4.7% for XOCT. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XOCT -10.0%.
Should I hold both VTI and XOCT?
VTI and XOCT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 VTI and XOCT?
VTI and XOCT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XOCT?
VTI yields 1.07% while XOCT yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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