CMDT vs VTI
PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. CMDT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CMDT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $826M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 352 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +22.53% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.53% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.49% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 9, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
CMDT vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund (CMDT) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CMDT returned +31.53% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, CMDT is up 22.53% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, CMDT compounded at +13.49% per year against +21.93% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, CMDT has the edge at +14.47% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 11.3% for CMDT. 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 -13.2% for CMDT 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 0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CMDT 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, CMDT currently yields 1.91% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CMDT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2936 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, CMDT or VTI?
CMDT 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, CMDT or VTI?
Over the past year CMDT returned +31.53% vs +22.43% for VTI, so CMDT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CMDT annualized +14.47% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CMDT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 11.3% for CMDT. Worst drawdown: CMDT -13.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CMDT and VTI?
CMDT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CMDT and VTI?
CMDT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2936 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CMDT or VTI?
CMDT yields 1.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CMDT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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