ASET vs VTI
FlexShares Real Assets Allocation Index Fund 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 | ASET | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.39% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.77% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.25% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.79% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.41% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
ASET vs VTI Performance
FlexShares Real Assets Allocation Index Fund (ASET) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ASET returned +9.25% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, ASET is up 16.77% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, ASET compounded at +9.79% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.41% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +6.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.4% for ASET. 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 -42.8% for ASET 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ASET charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ASET currently yields 3.39% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ASET or VTI?
ASET has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ASET or VTI?
Over the past year ASET returned +9.25% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ASET annualized +6.15% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ASET or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.4% for ASET. Worst drawdown: ASET -42.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ASET and VTI?
ASET and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, ASET or VTI?
ASET yields 3.39% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ASET currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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