FTXN vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTXN (First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTXN is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Oil & Gas Index, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FTXN returned 17.73%/yr vs 12.69%/yr for VTI. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTXN charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

FTXN vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) 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, FTXN achieves a 32.57% return, which is significantly higher than VTI's 11.20% return.

FTXN

• 1D: 1.25%
• 1M: -3.04%
• YTD: 32.57%
• 6M: 28.04%
• 1Y: 39.70%
• 3Y*: 15.68%
• 5Y*: 17.73%
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 4.99%
• YTD: 11.20%
• 6M: 11.09%
• 1Y: 28.18%
• 3Y*: 22.07%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 15.05%

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

FTXN vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTXN First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF	32.57%	-0.17%	4.06%	4.91%	47.45%	69.21%	-28.10%	3.20%	-20.99%	-2.29%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	11.20%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXN and VTI is -0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2016	0.43

The correlation between FTXN and VTI shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (1 year) to 0.43 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTXN vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXN	VTI
Energy	100.0%	3.7%
Basic Materials	-	2.0%
Communication Services	-	10.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.7%
Financial Services	-	12.0%
Healthcare	-	9.2%
Industrials	-	9.8%
Real Estate	-	2.4%
Technology	-	33.5%
Utilities	-	2.3%

Return for Risk

FTXN vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXN

FTXN Risk / Return Rank: 50
FTXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
FTXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
FTXN Omega Ratio Rank: 44
FTXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FTXN Martin Ratio Rank: 49

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

FTXN vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) 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.

	FTXN	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	2.33	-0.59
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	3.18	-0.89
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.42	-0.14
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	3.17	-0.24
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.22	14.62	-6.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTXN vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXN Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXN 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FTXN	VTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.74	2.33	-0.59
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	0.73	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.28	0.51	-0.23

Drawdowns

FTXN vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXN drawdown since its inception was -73.49%, which is greater than VTI's maximum drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXN and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXN	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.49%	-55.45%	-18.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.59%	-8.92%	-4.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.96%	-19.30%	-7.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.97%	-25.36%	-4.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.47%	-0.72%	-6.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.24%	-8.03%	-11.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.84%	1.93%	+2.91%

Volatility

FTXN vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) has a higher volatility of 8.95% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) at 2.96%. This indicates that FTXN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTXN	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.95%	2.96%	+5.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.87%	9.13%	+8.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.98%	12.17%	+10.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.67%	17.40%	+12.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.80%	18.30%	+13.50%

FTXN vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXN has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXN vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

FTXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.04%, more than VTI's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXN First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF	2.04%	2.83%	2.51%	3.41%	2.26%	1.04%	1.76%	2.72%	2.16%	1.78%	0.20%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.01%	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 FTXN and VTI in my portfolio?

FTXN and VTI have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTXN or VTI?

FTXN has higher volatility (8.95%) compared to VTI (2.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXN dropped -73.49% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, FTXN or VTI?

On 5-year performance, FTXN leads with 17.73% vs 12.69% for VTI. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTI has been the lower-risk option at 2.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXN or VTI?

Over the 5-year period, FTXN has performed better with a 17.73% return vs 12.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXN or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXN.

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

FTXN has the higher dividend yield at 2.04%, compared with 1.01% for VTI.

What is the main difference between FTXN and VTI?

FTXN is categorized as Energy Equities, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. FTXN tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Oil & Gas Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXN and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.74), 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.