DIVS vs VTI
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder 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 | DIVS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $40M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.16% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.98% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.22% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.78% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
DIVS vs VTI Performance
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder ETF (DIVS) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIVS returned +16.98% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, DIVS is up 14.16% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, DIVS compounded at +14.22% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.78% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DIVS has the edge at +11.35% annualized vs +8.14%. 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 12.9% for DIVS. 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 -20.7% for DIVS 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIVS charges 0.46% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $3 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIVS currently yields 2.73% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DIVS and VTI share 19 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIVS or VTI?
DIVS has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIVS or VTI?
Over the past year DIVS returned +16.98% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DIVS annualized +11.35% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.9% for DIVS. Worst drawdown: DIVS -20.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DIVS and VTI?
DIVS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIVS and VTI?
DIVS and VTI share 19 common holdings with a 9.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVS or VTI?
DIVS yields 2.73% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DIVS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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