VDC vs. FSTA: Comparing Two Similar Consumer Staples ETFs

Core Insights - The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) has a larger asset base and a longer track record compared to the Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA), making it a more established option for investors [1][10]. Cost & Size - FSTA has an expense ratio of 0.08%, while VDC's is slightly higher at 0.09%, indicating that FSTA is marginally more affordable [3][4]. - As of the latest data, FSTA manages $1.3 billion in assets under management (AUM), whereas VDC has $7.4 billion in AUM, highlighting VDC's significant size advantage [3][10]. Performance & Risk - Over the past year, FSTA has returned -2.7% and VDC has returned -2.4%, showing that VDC has performed slightly better [3][15]. - The maximum drawdown over five years for FSTA is -17.08%, while VDC's is -16.54%, indicating that VDC has experienced less volatility [5]. Portfolio Composition - VDC holds 107 stocks primarily focused on consumer defensive companies, with top holdings including Walmart, Costco, and Procter & Gamble [6]. - FSTA has a similar focus, with 98% of its holdings in consumer defensive stocks and also includes Walmart, Costco, and Procter & Gamble among its top holdings [7]. Historical Performance - VDC has been operational for nearly 22 years, while FSTA was launched in 2013, giving VDC a historical performance advantage [10]. - Since FSTA's inception, it has achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%, while VDC has a CAGR of 8.7%, indicating comparable long-term performance [15].