ETEC vs VTI
iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ETEC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ETEC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.43% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.22% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.40% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.36% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
ETEC vs VTI Performance
iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF (ETEC) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ETEC returned +29.40% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, ETEC is up 9.22% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, ETEC compounded at +5.36% per year against +21.17% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +3.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ETEC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.4% 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 -39.7% for ETEC 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ETEC 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, ETEC currently yields 0.43% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ETEC and VTI share 9 holdings out of 2822 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ETEC or VTI?
ETEC 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, ETEC or VTI?
Over the past year ETEC returned +29.40% vs +23.31% for VTI, so ETEC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ETEC annualized +3.20% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETEC or VTI?
ETEC has been the more volatile fund at 24.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ETEC -39.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ETEC and VTI?
ETEC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ETEC and VTI?
ETEC and VTI share 9 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2822 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ETEC or VTI?
ETEC yields 0.43% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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