DEMZ vs VTI
Democratic Large Cap Core ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEMZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $68M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.86% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.98% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.18% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.25% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | DEMZ | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
DEMZ vs VTI Performance
Democratic Large Cap Core ETF (DEMZ) is a ETF from DEMZ and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEMZ returned +20.98% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, DEMZ is up 11.86% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, DEMZ compounded at +22.18% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.25% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DEMZ has the edge at +16.71% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEMZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -27.2% for DEMZ 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
DEMZ charges 0.45% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEMZ currently yields 0.89% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DEMZ and VTI share 39 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 25.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEMZ or VTI?
DEMZ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEMZ or VTI?
Over the past year DEMZ returned +20.98% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DEMZ annualized +16.71% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEMZ or VTI?
DEMZ has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DEMZ -27.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DEMZ and VTI?
DEMZ 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 DEMZ and VTI?
DEMZ and VTI share 39 common holdings with a 25.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEMZ or VTI?
DEMZ yields 0.89% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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