Which Consumer Staples ETF Reigns Supreme: VDC or FSTA?

Core Insights - The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) and Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples ETF (FSTA) provide similar exposure to the U.S. consumer staples sector, with VDC having a larger assets under management (AUM) [2][8] - Both ETFs have nearly identical expense ratios and dividend yields, with FSTA being slightly cheaper at 0.08% compared to VDC's 0.09% [5][8] - Performance metrics show that both ETFs have similar risk profiles and returns, with minor differences in their top holdings [6][9] Cost & Size Comparison - FSTA has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VDC has 0.09% - As of November 28, 2025, FSTA's 1-year return is -3.7% and VDC's is -3.4% - FSTA offers a dividend yield of 2.3% compared to VDC's 2.2% - AUM for FSTA is $1.3 billion and for VDC is $8.3 billion [4][5] Performance & Risk Metrics - The maximum drawdown over 5 years for FSTA is -16.56% and for VDC is -16.54% - Growth of $1,000 over 5 years results in $1,254 for FSTA and $1,255 for VDC [6] Holdings & Sector Allocation - VDC employs a full replication strategy with 103 holdings, focusing on large-cap consumer defensive stocks like Walmart, Costco, and Procter & Gamble [7] - Sector allocation for VDC is 98% consumer defensive and 1% consumer cyclical - FSTA closely mirrors VDC's sector weightings and top holdings, with 104 stocks in its portfolio [9]