FLAG vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFLAGVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.29%0.03%
AUM$2M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings523,543
YTD Return-20.87%+14.20%
1Y Return-24.16%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)13.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-43.9%-56.6%
Fund FamilyGlobal X by mirae AssetVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionApr 15, 2025May 24, 2001

FLAG vs VTI Performance

Global X S&P 500 US Market Leaders Top 50 ETF (FLAG) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLAG returned -24.16% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, FLAG is down 20.87% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.6% for FLAG. 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 -43.9% for FLAG 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FLAG charges 0.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLAG currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

10.6%overlap

FLAG and VTI share 32 holdings out of 2787 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FLAGWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA4.33%6.32%1.99%
MSFT4.13%3.81%0.32%
SBUX5.03%0.16%4.87%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FLAG or VTI?

FLAG has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FLAG or VTI?

Over the past year FLAG returned -24.16% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FLAG annualized -10.23% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FLAG or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for FLAG. Worst drawdown: FLAG -43.9% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both FLAG and VTI?

FLAG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FLAG and VTI?

FLAG and VTI share 32 common holdings with a 10.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FLAG or VTI?

FLAG yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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