Is VGT or FTEC the Better Tech ETF? Here's How They Compare on Risk, Returns, and Fees
The Motley Fool·2025-12-22 01:30

Core Insights - The Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC) and the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) are both designed to provide broad exposure to the U.S. information technology sector, with slight differences in cost, size, and holdings [1][2]. Cost & Size Comparison - FTEC has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to VGT's 0.09%, making it slightly more affordable for investors [3]. - VGT has a significantly larger Assets Under Management (AUM) of $130 billion versus FTEC's $16.7 billion, indicating greater liquidity [3][8]. - The one-year return for both ETFs is nearly identical, with FTEC at 21.66% and VGT at 21.65% [3]. Performance & Risk Metrics - The maximum drawdown over five years for FTEC is -34.95%, while VGT's is -35.08%, showing comparable risk levels [4]. - The growth of a $1,000 investment over five years would yield $2,181 for FTEC and $2,165 for VGT, indicating similar performance [4]. Holdings & Sector Exposure - VGT consists of 322 holdings, while FTEC has 288 holdings, providing VGT with a slight edge in diversification [5][6]. - Both ETFs primarily invest in technology stocks, with top holdings including Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [5][6]. - VGT has a higher allocation to Nvidia at 18.19% compared to FTEC's 16.61%, which could lead to different returns based on Nvidia's performance [9][10]. Summary of Differences - The main distinctions between FTEC and VGT lie in the number of holdings, AUM, and slight variations in the allocation of top holdings, while performance, risk, fees, and dividend yields are nearly identical [11].