ESN vs VTI
Essential 40 Stock ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ESN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $312M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.75% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.66% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | KKM Financial | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
ESN vs VTI Performance
Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) is a ETF from KKM Financial and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESN returned +28.66% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, ESN is up 20.75% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 10.9% for ESN. 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 ESN 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESN charges 0.70% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESN currently yields 0.79% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ESN and VTI share 38 holdings out of 2785 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESN or VTI?
ESN has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESN or VTI?
Over the past year ESN returned +28.66% vs +22.39% for VTI, so ESN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ESN annualized +19.48% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESN or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 10.9% for ESN. Worst drawdown: ESN -13.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ESN and VTI?
ESN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESN and VTI?
ESN and VTI share 38 common holdings with a 23.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESN or VTI?
ESN yields 0.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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