ELFY vs VTI
ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ELFY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ELFY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $200M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 116 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +13.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.92% | +20.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.90% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 9, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
ELFY vs VTI Performance
ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF (ELFY) is a ETF from ALPS ETF Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ELFY returned +22.92% while VTI returned +20.74%. Year to date, ELFY is up 15.34% versus a gain of 13.86% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ELFY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -13.6% for ELFY 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ELFY 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, ELFY currently yields 1.05% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ELFY and VTI share 84 holdings out of 2817 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ELFY or VTI?
ELFY 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, ELFY or VTI?
Over the past year ELFY returned +22.92% vs +20.74% for VTI, so ELFY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ELFY annualized +41.19% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ELFY or VTI?
ELFY has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ELFY -13.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ELFY and VTI?
ELFY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ELFY and VTI?
ELFY and VTI share 84 common holdings with a 5.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2817 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ELFY or VTI?
ELFY yields 1.05% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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