VTI vs XSEP
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - September
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 | VTI | XSEP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $136M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +6.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +9.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +9.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 5.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -9.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Sep 21, 2022 |
VTI vs XSEP Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - September (XSEP) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while XSEP returned +9.22%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 6.24% for XSEP.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +9.58% for XSEP. Across the full 4-year window we track, XSEP has the edge at +10.87% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 5.1% for XSEP. 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 -9.2% for XSEP. 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 0.92. 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 XSEP 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 XSEP.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XSEP share 0 holdings out of 2788 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 XSEP?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XSEP 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 XSEP?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +9.22% for XSEP, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +10.87% for XSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XSEP?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.1% for XSEP. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XSEP -9.2%.
Should I hold both VTI and XSEP?
VTI and XSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 XSEP?
VTI and XSEP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XSEP?
VTI yields 1.07% while XSEP yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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