DEEP vs VTI
Acquirers Small and Micro Deep Value ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DEEP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEEP | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $28M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +23.84% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.05% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.25% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Acquirers Funds, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
DEEP vs VTI Performance
Acquirers Small and Micro Deep Value ETF (DEEP) is a ETF from Acquirers Funds, LLC and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEEP returned +34.05% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, DEEP is up 23.84% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, DEEP compounded at +9.40% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.25% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +5.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% compared with 15.3% 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 -56.4% for DEEP 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
DEEP charges 0.80% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEEP currently yields 1.91% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DEEP and VTI share 61 holdings out of 2824 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEEP or VTI?
DEEP has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEEP or VTI?
Over the past year DEEP returned +34.05% vs +24.16% for VTI, so DEEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), DEEP annualized +5.73% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEEP or VTI?
DEEP has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DEEP -56.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DEEP and VTI?
DEEP 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 DEEP and VTI?
DEEP and VTI share 61 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2824 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEEP or VTI?
DEEP yields 1.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DEEP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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