DSI vs VTI
iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DSI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.6B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 407 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.23% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +20.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.52% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 14, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
DSI vs VTI Performance
iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF (DSI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DSI returned +21.79% while VTI returned +20.82%. Year to date, DSI is up 14.23% versus a gain of 13.12% for VTI.
Over three years, DSI compounded at +21.52% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.22% and +11.84% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, DSI has the edge at +9.64% annualized vs +8.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -55.1% for DSI 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSI charges 0.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSI currently yields 0.88% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DSI and VTI share 347 holdings out of 2842 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSI or VTI?
DSI has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSI or VTI?
Over the past year DSI returned +21.79% vs +20.82% for VTI, so DSI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DSI annualized +9.64% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSI or VTI?
DSI has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DSI -55.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DSI and VTI?
DSI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 DSI and VTI?
DSI and VTI share 347 common holdings with a 46.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2842 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSI or VTI?
DSI yields 0.88% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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