DIVZ vs VTI
Polen Dividend Income 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 | DIVZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $305M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.47% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.28% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.91% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.09% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | TrueShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 27, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
DIVZ vs VTI Performance
Polen Dividend Income ETF (DIVZ) is a ETF from TrueShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIVZ returned +16.91% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, DIVZ is up 8.28% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, DIVZ compounded at +10.09% per year against +21.85% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, DIVZ has the edge at +11.13% annualized vs +8.10%. 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 14.4% for DIVZ. 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 -15.4% for DIVZ 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIVZ charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIVZ currently yields 2.47% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DIVZ and VTI share 25 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIVZ or VTI?
DIVZ has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIVZ or VTI?
Over the past year DIVZ returned +16.91% vs +21.12% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DIVZ annualized +11.13% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVZ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.4% for DIVZ. Worst drawdown: DIVZ -15.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DIVZ and VTI?
DIVZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIVZ and VTI?
DIVZ and VTI share 25 common holdings with a 7.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVZ or VTI?
DIVZ yields 2.47% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DIVZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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