Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSKAX | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mutual Fund | ETF |
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 4,100 | 3,645 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 1.28% |
| Min Investment | None | None |
| Inception | 1997-09-10 | 2001-05-24 |
| Index Tracked | Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index | CRSP US Total Market Index |
| AUM | $82B | $427B |
Fund data last updated: 2025-01-02. Expense ratios, holdings, and yields may change. Always verify with official sources.
Key Differences
- •FSKAX has lower expense ratio (0.015% vs 0.03%)
- •FSKAX is a mutual fund; VTI is an ETF
- •FSKAX tracks Dow Jones Total Market; VTI tracks CRSP Total Market
- •FSKAX has no minimum investment; VTI is an ETF (buy by share price)
Which Should You Choose?
Taxable Brokerage Account
Both are excellent. VTI as an ETF has slight tax efficiency advantages; FSKAX has lower expense ratio. Wash.
IRA (Traditional or Roth)
Either is perfect. Use whichever matches your brokerage for convenience.
401(k)
Use whichever your plan offers. Both are excellent choices.
JL Collins' Recommendation
JL Collins recommends Vanguard specifically due to its unique investor-owned structure. However, he acknowledges Fidelity funds are excellent alternatives if that's where your accounts are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FSKAX or VTI better?
They're essentially equivalent for long-term investors. FSKAX has a lower expense ratio (0.015% vs 0.03%), but VTI is an ETF with slight tax advantages. Pick based on where your accounts are.
Why does JL Collins recommend Vanguard over Fidelity?
Vanguard has a unique ownership structure—it's owned by its funds, which means it's effectively owned by investors. This creates alignment of interests. Fidelity is a private company that must also serve its owners (the Johnson family).
Can I hold VTI at Fidelity?
Yes. Fidelity allows you to buy any ETF, including VTI, commission-free. You can use Vanguard ETFs at Fidelity if you prefer them over Fidelity's own funds.
What index does FSKAX track?
FSKAX tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index, which covers about 4,100 stocks. VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index (~3,600 stocks). Both aim to capture the total U.S. stock market.
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