ECON vs VTI
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ECON delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ECON | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $340M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 257 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +22.32% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.18% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.08% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.33% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
ECON vs VTI Performance
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF (ECON) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ECON returned +41.18% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, ECON is up 22.32% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, ECON compounded at +20.08% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.33% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +4.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECON has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -45.4% for ECON 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECON charges 0.47% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $3 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECON currently yields 1.35% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ECON and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3029 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ECON | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.20% | 0.04% | 0.16% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECON or VTI?
ECON has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECON or VTI?
Over the past year ECON returned +41.18% vs +23.31% for VTI, so ECON leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ECON annualized +4.36% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECON or VTI?
ECON has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ECON -45.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ECON and VTI?
ECON and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECON and VTI?
ECON and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3029 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECON or VTI?
ECON yields 1.35% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ECON currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.