CZA vs VTI
Invesco Zacks Mid-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CZA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $189M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.41% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.35% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.65% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.87% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.50% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 2, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
CZA vs VTI Performance
Invesco Zacks Mid-Cap ETF (CZA) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CZA returned +18.65% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, CZA is up 14.35% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, CZA compounded at +13.87% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.50% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, CZA has the edge at +9.77% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CZA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -53.2% for CZA 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CZA charges 0.69% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CZA currently yields 1.41% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CZA and VTI share 67 holdings out of 2818 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CZA or VTI?
CZA has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CZA or VTI?
Over the past year CZA returned +18.65% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), CZA annualized +9.77% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CZA or VTI?
CZA has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CZA -53.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CZA and VTI?
CZA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between CZA and VTI?
CZA and VTI share 67 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2818 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CZA or VTI?
CZA yields 1.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CZA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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