DECU vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDECUVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.03%
AUM$53M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings43,543
YTD Return+9.25%+13.87%
1Y Return+15.45%+23.31%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)8.3%15.3%
Max Drawdown-10.7%-56.6%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 29, 2024May 24, 2001

DECU vs VTI Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Dec ETF (DECU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DECU returned +15.45% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, DECU is up 9.25% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.3% for DECU. 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 -10.7% for DECU 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DECU charges 0.74% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DECU currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DECU or VTI?

DECU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DECU or VTI?

Over the past year DECU returned +15.45% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DECU annualized +10.97% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DECU or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.3% for DECU. Worst drawdown: DECU -10.7% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both DECU and VTI?

DECU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

Which pays a higher dividend, DECU or VTI?

DECU yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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