VDC and FSTA Are Almost the Same Fund. Here's How to Choose Between Them.

The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) and Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) are nearly identical funds offering exposure to defensive consumer staples stocks. VDC has larger assets under management ($9.5B vs $1.4B) and a longer track record, while FSTA offers a marginally lower expense ratio (0.08% vs 0.09%). Both funds hold similar portfolios with nearly identical performance and risk profiles, making the choice primarily dependent on which brokerage platform an investor already uses to avoid trading fees.