DECW 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

MetricDECWVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.03%
AUM$226M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings53,543
YTD Return+6.64%+13.87%
1Y Return+12.89%+23.31%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.65%+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)6.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-8.8%-56.6%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 30, 2022May 24, 2001

DECW vs VTI Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DECW returned +12.89% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, DECW is up 6.64% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.

Over three years, DECW compounded at +10.65% per year against +21.17% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, DECW has the edge at +10.82% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.8% for DECW. 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 -8.8% for DECW 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DECW 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, DECW currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DECW or VTI?

DECW 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, DECW or VTI?

Over the past year DECW returned +12.89% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DECW annualized +10.82% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DECW or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.8% for DECW. Worst drawdown: DECW -8.8% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both DECW and VTI?

DECW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, DECW or VTI?

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

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