EMTY vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEMTYVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.65%0.03%
AUM$3M$663.5B
Dividend Yield3.28%1.07%
Holdings53,543
YTD Return-2.83%+14.96%
1Y Return+5.12%+22.39%
3Y Return (annualized)-4.98%+21.51%
5Y Return (annualized)-3.22%+12.36%
Volatility (annualized)24.1%15.4%
Max Drawdown-78.1%-56.6%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 14, 2017May 24, 2001

EMTY vs VTI Performance

ProShares Decline of the Retail Store ETF (EMTY) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMTY returned +5.12% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, EMTY is down 2.83% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.

Over three years, EMTY compounded at -4.98% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -3.22% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -11.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EMTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% compared with 15.4% 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 -78.1% for EMTY 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 -0.75. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EMTY charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMTY currently yields 3.28% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EMTY or VTI?

EMTY has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EMTY or VTI?

Over the past year EMTY returned +5.12% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), EMTY annualized -11.64% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EMTY or VTI?

EMTY has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EMTY -78.1% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both EMTY and VTI?

EMTY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, EMTY or VTI?

EMTY yields 3.28% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EMTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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