FAAR vs VTI
First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF compared with Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
FAAR
First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
VTI
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- FAAR yields more today: 1.83% vs 1.11% (forward).
- FAAR has grown its payout faster: 143.6%/yr vs 6.8%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- Over the last year VTI delivered the higher total return: +19.9% vs +7.5% (price change plus payouts).
- VTI has the steadier distribution: consistency 93/100 vs 73/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | FAAR | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $31.53 | $377.60 |
| TTM yield | 1.36% | 1.03% |
| Forward yield | 1.83% | 1.11% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.576 | $4.176 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Sep 24, 2026 (est.) | Sep 25, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | — | 0.03% |
| 1-year payout growth | -49.8% | +5.1% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +143.6% | +6.8% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 0 years | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 73/100 | 93/100 |
| 1-year total return | +7.5% | +19.9% |
| 1-year price return | +6.0% | +18.7% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | — | 2.3T |
| Years paying | 8.7 | 25.2 |
| Sector / category | — | Large Blend |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| FAAR | VTI | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 317.1 | 26.5 |
| Income per year | $183 | $111 |
| Income per month (avg) | $15 | $9 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model FAAR · Model VTI
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAAR Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 8, 2026 | $0.144 | Est. |
| FAAR Dec 24, 2026 | Jan 7, 2027 | $0.144 | Est. |
| FAAR Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 8, 2027 | $0.144 | Est. |
| VTI Sep 25, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 | $1.044 | Est. |
| VTI Dec 25, 2026 | Jan 8, 2027 | $1.044 | Est. |
| VTI Mar 26, 2027 | Apr 9, 2027 | $1.044 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
FAARVTI
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, FAAR or VTI?
FAAR currently has the higher trailing yield: FAAR yields 1.36% and VTI yields 1.03%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do FAAR and VTI pay?
FAAR pays every quarter and VTI pays every quarter. FAAR's next ex-date is Sep 24, 2026 and VTI's is Sep 25, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, FAAR or VTI?
FAAR has grown its payout faster: 143.6%/yr vs 6.8%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is FAAR or VTI better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. FAAR and VTI differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.