CSA vs VTI

CSA vs VTI
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Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCSAVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.03%
AUM$20M$666.9B
Dividend Yield1.50%1.07%
Holdings5073,543
YTD Return-10.11%+14.82%
1Y Return+0.59%+22.43%
3Y Return (annualized)+3.64%+21.93%
5Y Return (annualized)+15.99%+12.34%
Volatility (annualized)20.5%15.4%
Max Drawdown-42.4%-56.6%
Fund FamilyVictory Capital Management Inc.Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 7, 2015May 24, 2001

CSA vs VTI Performance

VictoryShares US Small Cap Volatility Wtd ETF (CSA) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc. and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CSA returned +0.59% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, CSA is down 10.11% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.

Over three years, CSA compounded at +3.64% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +15.99% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, CSA has the edge at +8.20% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% 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 -42.4% for CSA 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CSA charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSA currently yields 1.50% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CSA or VTI?

CSA has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CSA or VTI?

Over the past year CSA returned +0.59% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CSA annualized +8.20% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CSA or VTI?

CSA has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CSA -42.4% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both CSA and VTI?

CSA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CSA or VTI?

CSA yields 1.50% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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