CAS vs VTI
Simplify China A Shares PLUS Income 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 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CAS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 20.81% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.68% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.10% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
CAS vs VTI Performance
Simplify China A Shares PLUS Income ETF (CAS) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CAS returned -0.10% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, CAS is up 10.68% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CAS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.2% 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 -24.1% for CAS 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAS charges 0.88% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $3 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAS currently yields 20.81% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CAS and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CAS or VTI?
CAS has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAS or VTI?
Over the past year CAS returned -0.10% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CAS annualized +19.19% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAS or VTI?
CAS has been the more volatile fund at 28.2% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CAS -24.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CAS and VTI?
CAS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CAS and VTI?
CAS and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAS or VTI?
CAS yields 20.81% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CAS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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