CSTK vs VTI

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: CSTKMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCSTKVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.03%
AUM$175M$663.5B
Dividend Yield2.16%1.07%
Holdings553,543
YTD Return+16.26%+14.96%
1Y Return+23.64%+22.39%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.51%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.36%
Volatility (annualized)10.8%15.4%
Max Drawdown-9.3%-56.6%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 7, 2025May 24, 2001

CSTK vs VTI Performance

Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CSTK returned +23.64% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, CSTK is up 16.26% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 10.8% for CSTK. 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 -9.3% for CSTK 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CSTK 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, CSTK currently yields 2.16% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

17.9%overlap

CSTK and VTI share 50 holdings out of 2787 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CSTKWeight in VTIDifference
GOOGL3.74%2.88%0.86%
MSFT2.29%3.81%1.52%
BAC4.24%0.50%3.74%
CSCOProProPro
WFCProProPro
METAProProPro
MUProProPro
CVSProProPro
STTProProPro
PMProProPro
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CSTK or VTI?

CSTK 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, CSTK or VTI?

Over the past year CSTK returned +23.64% vs +22.39% for VTI, so CSTK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CSTK annualized +28.62% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CSTK or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 10.8% for CSTK. Worst drawdown: CSTK -9.3% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both CSTK and VTI?

CSTK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CSTK and VTI?

CSTK and VTI share 50 common holdings with a 17.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CSTK or VTI?

CSTK yields 2.16% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CSTK currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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