FTAG vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FTAG (First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - FTAG tracks the Indxx Global Agriculture Index while VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTAG returned 5.38%/yr vs 15.14%/yr for VTI. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTAG charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

FTAG vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTAG achieves a 6.79% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 8.82% return. Over the past 10 years, FTAG has underperformed VTI with an annualized return of 5.38%, while VTI has yielded a comparatively higher 15.14% annualized return.

FTAG

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: -3.74%
• YTD: 6.79%
• 6M: 6.97%
• 1Y: 8.43%
• 3Y*: 3.75%
• 5Y*: 0.85%
• 10Y*: 5.38%

VTI

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 8.82%
• 6M: 7.71%
• 1Y: 24.22%
• 3Y*: 20.62%
• 5Y*: 11.90%
• 10Y*: 15.14%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FTAG vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	6.79%	14.82%	-6.72%	-7.28%	-4.52%	17.31%	13.88%	9.05%	-19.46%	24.88%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.82%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FTAG and VTI is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 12, 2010	0.52

The correlation between FTAG and VTI shifts across timeframes, from 0.40 (1 year) to 0.58 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTAG vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTAG	VTI
Basic Materials	55.6%	1.9%
Industrials	24.0%	9.4%
Consumer Defensive	8.5%	4.3%
Healthcare	7.7%	9.0%
Consumer Cyclical	4.2%	9.7%
Communication Services	-	9.8%
Energy	-	3.3%
Financial Services	-	11.3%
Real Estate	-	2.3%
Technology	-	37.0%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

FTAG vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FTAG

FTAG Risk / Return Rank: 19
FTAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
FTAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
FTAG Omega Ratio Rank: 17
FTAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
FTAG Martin Ratio Rank: 19

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 59
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 68

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FTAG vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FTAG	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.60	1.90	-1.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.95	2.59	-1.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.34	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	2.73	-1.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.04	12.14	-10.10

FTAG vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTAG Sharpe Ratio is 0.60, which is lower than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTAG and VTI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FTAG vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTAG drawdown since its inception was -90.89%, which is greater than VTI's maximum drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTAG and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTAG	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.89%	-55.45%	-35.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.56%	-8.92%	-0.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.87%	-19.30%	-2.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.77%	-25.36%	-7.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.79%	-35.00%	-15.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-79.35%	-2.85%	-76.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-71.25%	-8.01%	-63.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.15%	2.00%	+2.15%

Volatility

FTAG vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) is 3.95%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 4.95%. This indicates that FTAG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTAG	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	4.95%	-1.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.93%	10.05%	+0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.17%	12.83%	+1.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.41%	17.51%	-0.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.60%	18.32%	+1.28%

FTAG vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTAG has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTAG vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

FTAG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, more than VTI's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	1.42%	1.39%	2.89%	3.68%	1.77%	1.58%	1.72%	2.33%	2.16%	1.26%	0.61%	1.35%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.04%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTAG and VTI in my portfolio?

FTAG and VTI have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTAG or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to FTAG (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTAG dropped -90.89% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, FTAG or VTI?

On 10-year performance, VTI leads with 15.14% vs 5.38% for FTAG. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, FTAG has been the lower-risk option at 3.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTAG or VTI?

Over the 10-year period, VTI has performed better with a 15.14% return vs 5.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTAG or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTAG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTAG or VTI?

FTAG has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 1.04% for VTI.

What is the main difference between FTAG and VTI?

FTAG tracks Indxx Global Agriculture Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FTAG and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 0.60), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.