This is a thorough comparison of FZROX vs VTSAX and the conclusion of which low-cost index fund is better for you.
Exploring the difference between the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) and the Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund (FZROX) will provide more clarity when investing.
VTSAX vs FZROX
The primary difference between VTSAX and FZROX is that they are funds provided by different brokerages. VTSAX is a Vanguard fund, while FZROX is a fund from Fidelity.
Both funds allow investors to invest in the total U.S. stock market.
Fidelity made major headlines when they announced FZROX would not have any fees or expense ratio attached to the fund.
VTSAX:
- Tracks CRSP US Total Market Index
- $3,000 Minimum Initial Investment
- Expense Ratio: 0.04%
- Holdings: 3,535
FZROX:
- Tracks US Total Investable Market Index
- No Minimum Investment
- Expense Ratio: 0%
- Holdings: 2,457
FZROX Overview
- Fund Inception: 2018
- Expense Ratio: 0%
- Number Of Stocks: 2,457
- Top 10 Holdings: 23%
- Yield 1.25%
- Similar Funds: (FXAIX)
Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund (FZROX) is the only zero expense ratio index fund available.
FZROX comprises Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta but also provides exposure to over 2,000 stocks.
VTSAX Overview
- Fund Inception: 200
- 10-Year Performance 10.15%
- Expense Ratio: 0.04%
- Number Of Stocks: 3,535
- Top 10 Holdings: 22.40%
- Yield 1.88%
Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) exposes investors to the entire U.S. equity market. The U.S. equity market includes small, mid, and large-cap growth and value stocks.
VTSAX was created in 2000; it currently has an expense ratio of 0.04% and offers exposure to over 3,500 stocks.
VTSAX primarily comprises Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Google but also provides exposure to over 3,500 stocks.
FZROX and VTSAX Similarities
Although FZROX and VTSAX are not the same types of funds, they have similarities.
They are both very low-cost index funds. Their expense ratio is almost identical (0% vs. 0.04%).
The difference can be considered negligible at that low of an expense ratio.
Example:
Investing 10,000 into VTSAX and letting it grow for 30 years at a 7% return would result in $75,273.45.
Investing 10,000 into FZROX and letting it grow for 30 years at a 7% return would result in $76,122.55.
A difference of $849.10.
Similarities between FZROX and VTSAX:
- Low-Cost Index Funds
- Moderate – Aggressive Funds (Risk Level 4)
- Invests Mainly In Large U.S. Companies
FZROX and VTSAX Differences
VTSAX and FZROX primarily differ in that the FZROX fund is a Fidelity fund while VTSAX is a Vanguard fund.
FZROX also provides less diversity, with only 2,457 holdings compared to 3,535 in VTSAX.
There is also a minimum investment for VTSAX of $3,000.
You can start with less by investing in VTSAX's equivalent ETF, the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTI).
Lastly, VTSAX has a slightly higher expense ratio than FZROX (0.04% vs. 0%).
Differences between FZROX and VTSAX:
- Expense Ratio
- Minimum Investment
- Portfolio Composition
- Diversification (Holdings)
- Yield
FZROX vs VTSAX Performance
VTSAX and FZROX have different time frames for comparing performance. FZROX was created in 2018; therefore, we cannot compare the 10-year performance.
However, according to Morningstar, they are categorized as a 4 out of 5 for risk level and would most likely perform similarly over 10 years.
Here is their performance side by side over the last year:
You can hardly see a difference.
$3,000 Minimum Investment
VTSAX has an initial minimum investment of $3,000 since it is classified as an admiral fund.
Vanguard admiral funds used to have a $10,000 minimum investment, but recently that has been reduced to $3,000.
Once the $3,000 minimum threshold is met, there is no minimum investment thereafter.
Which is Better VTSAX or FZROX?
The answer depends on your goals and the brokerage you prefer to use.
To make it easier to decide, I’ll lay out the advantages of both of them.
VTSAX Advantages:
- More Diversification
- Vanguard Brokerage (Investor Owned)
FZROX Advantages:
- No Cost
- Higher Yield/Dividend
My Winner: VTSAX
My winner is VTSAX, solely based on the fact that I love Vanguard. Vanguard is a brokerage that is investor-owned.
Here is how Investopedia explains it:
“Vanguard has a fairly unique structure in terms of investment management companies. The company is owned by its funds. The company's different funds are then owned by the shareholders. Thus, the shareholders are the true owners of Vanguard.”
I believe both funds are excellent choices, but I have to give the edge to VTSAX because of Vanguard's commitment to its investors.
Vanguard has always been the first to offer very low-cost options for investing, and it was one of John Bogle's pioneering achievements.
As far as Fidelity, they have a responsibility to their shareholders to continue to increase their profits.
This means they are using FZROX as an industry “Loss Leader” to profit from you in some other way.
Also, there is no guarantee they will continue to offer the FZROX fund at a zero-percent fee. They could increase that fee anytime, which wouldn't be surprising.
On the other hand, Vanguard has a long history of lowering fees for its investors.
That being said, choosing the fund that best fits your investment goals is essential.
Related Posts:
VTSAX or FZROX for Financial Independence
VTSAX and FZROX can get you to Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE). They both have a similar return on investment and have rock-bottom expense ratios (0.04% & 0%).
So, either option is an excellent investment for financial independence.
If you are new to Fidelity, you might be interested in this article about picking the best Fidelity Core Position.
After keeping fees to a minimum, you can work on increasing your savings rate and Prioritizing Your Investments.
Then, you will be well on your way to Financial Independence and Early Retirement!
Calculate Your FI Number With My Free FIRE Calculator
[convertkit form=2812706]