DAK vs VTI
Dakota Active Equity 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 | DAK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $42M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.76% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.88% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.32% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Dakota | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
DAK vs VTI Performance
Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) is a ETF from Dakota and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DAK returned +20.32% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, DAK is up 13.88% 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 12.2% for DAK. 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 -7.9% for DAK 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAK charges 0.43% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $3 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DAK currently yields 0.76% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DAK and VTI share 115 holdings out of 2806 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAK or VTI?
DAK has an expense ratio of 0.43% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DAK or VTI?
Over the past year DAK returned +20.32% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DAK annualized +21.40% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DAK or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 12.2% for DAK. Worst drawdown: DAK -7.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DAK and VTI?
DAK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 DAK and VTI?
DAK and VTI share 115 common holdings with a 38.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAK or VTI?
DAK yields 0.76% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.