CSRE vs VTI
Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF 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 | CSRE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $574M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.93% | +12.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.82% | +20.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
CSRE vs VTI Performance
Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF (CSRE) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CSRE returned +12.82% while VTI returned +20.66%. Year to date, CSRE is up 11.93% versus a gain of 12.74% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.4% for CSRE. 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 -13.0% for CSRE 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CSRE charges 0.70% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSRE currently yields 2.14% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CSRE and VTI share 24 holdings out of 2806 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CSRE or VTI?
CSRE has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CSRE or VTI?
Over the past year CSRE returned +12.82% vs +20.66% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CSRE annualized +9.81% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CSRE or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.4% for CSRE. Worst drawdown: CSRE -13.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CSRE and VTI?
CSRE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CSRE and VTI?
CSRE and VTI share 24 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSRE or VTI?
CSRE yields 2.14% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CSRE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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