EXI vs VTI
iShares Global Industrials ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EXI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EXI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 238 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.91% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.18% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.54% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.50% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
EXI vs VTI Performance
iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI) 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 EXI returned +23.18% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, EXI is up 16.91% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, EXI compounded at +21.54% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.50% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -63.9% for EXI 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EXI charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EXI currently yields 1.06% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EXI and VTI share 78 holdings out of 2923 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EXI or VTI?
EXI has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EXI or VTI?
Over the past year EXI returned +23.18% vs +22.19% for VTI, so EXI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EXI annualized +7.77% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EXI or VTI?
EXI has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EXI -63.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EXI and VTI?
EXI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EXI and VTI?
EXI and VTI share 78 common holdings with a 7.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2923 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EXI or VTI?
EXI yields 1.06% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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