ACSI vs VTI
American Customer Satisfaction ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACSI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $116M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.29% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.24% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.47% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.50% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Exponential ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
ACSI vs VTI Performance
American Customer Satisfaction ETF (ACSI) is a ETF from Exponential ETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ACSI returned +20.24% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, ACSI is up 17.29% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, ACSI compounded at +19.47% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.50% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ACSI has the edge at +13.52% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACSI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 15.4% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -34.5% for ACSI and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACSI charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACSI currently yields 0.82% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ACSI and VTI share 4 holdings out of 2783 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACSI or VTI?
ACSI has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACSI or VTI?
Over the past year ACSI returned +20.24% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ACSI annualized +13.52% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACSI or VTI?
ACSI has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ACSI -34.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ACSI and VTI?
ACSI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ACSI and VTI?
ACSI and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 8.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2783 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACSI or VTI?
ACSI yields 0.82% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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