CEF vs VTI
Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, CEF or VTI?
Precious Metals against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. CEF led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEF | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $7.7B | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 4 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | -3.27% | +12.30%Best |
| 1Y Return | +31.03%Best | +16.08% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +35.15%Best | +21.01% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.04%Best | +12.36% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.3% | 15.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -62.3% | -56.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $25,980Best | $17,908 |
| Fund Family | Sprott Asset Management LP | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Precious Metals | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 16, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 31, 2001 to Sep 18, 2026 (25.3 years).
CEF vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 25.3 years both funds cover.
CEF vs VTI Performance
Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust (CEF) is an ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEF returned +31.03% while VTI returned +16.08%. Year to date, CEF is down 3.27% versus a gain of 12.30% for VTI.
Over three years, CEF compounded at +35.15% per year against +21.01% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +21.04% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, CEF has the edge at +10.89% annualized vs +8.03%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.3% compared with 15.3% 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 -62.3% for CEF and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.12. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEF charges 0.46% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $3 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEF currently yields 0.00% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CEF and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CEF or VTI?
CEF has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $43 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CEF or VTI?
Over the past year CEF returned +31.03% vs +16.08% for VTI, so CEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), CEF annualized +10.89% vs +8.03% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CEF or VTI?
CEF has been the more volatile fund at 23.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CEF -62.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CEF and VTI?
CEF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEF or VTI?
CEF yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than CEF?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. CEF led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.