DESK vs VTI
VanEck Office and Commercial REIT 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 | DESK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.66% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.92% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.61% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.03% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 19, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
DESK vs VTI Performance
VanEck Office and Commercial REIT ETF (DESK) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DESK returned +11.61% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, DESK is up 14.92% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, DESK compounded at +13.03% per year against +21.27% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, DESK has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DESK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% 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 -28.6% for DESK 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DESK charges 0.51% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $3 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DESK currently yields 4.66% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DESK and VTI share 18 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DESK or VTI?
DESK has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DESK or VTI?
Over the past year DESK returned +11.61% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DESK annualized +13.03% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DESK or VTI?
DESK has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DESK -28.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DESK and VTI?
DESK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DESK and VTI?
DESK and VTI share 18 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DESK or VTI?
DESK yields 4.66% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DESK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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