EEA vs VTI
The European Equity Fund, Inc. vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $90M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.93% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.85% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.52% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.30% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | DWS ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 1986 | May 24, 2001 |
EEA vs VTI Performance
The European Equity Fund, Inc. (EEA) is a ETF from DWS ETF Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EEA returned +14.85% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, EEA is up 8.93% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, EEA compounded at +15.52% per year against +21.85% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.30% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.10% annualized vs +1.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.0% 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 -82.4% for EEA 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.
Holdings Overlap
EEA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2846 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, EEA or VTI?
Over the past year EEA returned +14.85% vs +21.12% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EEA annualized +1.15% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEA or VTI?
EEA has been the more volatile fund at 24.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EEA -82.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EEA and VTI?
EEA 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 EEA and VTI?
EEA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2846 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEA or VTI?
EEA yields 3.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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