ADIV vs VTI
Guinness Atkinson Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ADIV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $56M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.84% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.27% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.09% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.59% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.66% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
ADIV vs VTI Performance
Guinness Atkinson Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF (ADIV) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ADIV returned +11.09% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, ADIV is up 9.27% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, ADIV compounded at +18.59% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.66% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ADIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -31.6% for ADIV 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ADIV charges 0.78% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $3 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ADIV currently yields 2.84% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ADIV and VTI share 3 holdings out of 2820 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ADIV or VTI?
ADIV has an expense ratio of 0.78% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ADIV or VTI?
Over the past year ADIV returned +11.09% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ADIV annualized +7.03% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ADIV or VTI?
ADIV has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ADIV -31.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ADIV and VTI?
ADIV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ADIV and VTI?
ADIV and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2820 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ADIV or VTI?
ADIV yields 2.84% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ADIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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