DMAX vs VTI
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Dec 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 | DMAX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $138M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.41% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.77% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
DMAX vs VTI Performance
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Dec ETF (DMAX) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DMAX returned +5.77% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, DMAX is up 3.41% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.7% for DMAX. 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 -3.4% for DMAX 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DMAX charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DMAX currently yields 0.88% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DMAX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2786 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, DMAX or VTI?
DMAX has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DMAX or VTI?
Over the past year DMAX returned +5.77% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DMAX annualized +6.27% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DMAX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.7% for DMAX. Worst drawdown: DMAX -3.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DMAX and VTI?
DMAX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 DMAX and VTI?
DMAX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DMAX or VTI?
DMAX yields 0.88% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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