FLOW vs VTI

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: FLOWMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFLOWVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.03%
AUM$30M$663.5B
Dividend Yield2.10%1.07%
Holdings1023,543
YTD Return+20.02%+14.20%
1Y Return+37.98%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.12%+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)13.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-21.6%-56.6%
Fund FamilyGlobal X by mirae AssetVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 10, 2023May 24, 2001

FLOW vs VTI Performance

Global X US Cash Flow Kings 100 ETF (FLOW) 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 FLOW returned +37.98% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, FLOW is up 20.02% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Over three years, FLOW compounded at +19.12% per year against +21.12% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, FLOW has the edge at +20.00% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.8% for FLOW. 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 -21.6% for FLOW 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FLOW charges 0.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLOW currently yields 2.10% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

1.2%overlap

FLOW and VTI share 63 holdings out of 2804 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FLOWWeight in VTIDifference
MCK2.69%0.12%2.57%
CMCSA2.66%0.12%2.54%
CRM2.23%0.17%2.06%
ADBEProProPro
INCYProProPro
WDAYProProPro
SNXProProPro
NTAPProProPro
VNOProProPro
BBYProProPro
See all 10 holdings FLOW shares with VTI
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FLOW or VTI?

FLOW has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FLOW or VTI?

Over the past year FLOW returned +37.98% vs +24.16% for VTI, so FLOW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FLOW annualized +20.00% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FLOW or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.8% for FLOW. Worst drawdown: FLOW -21.6% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both FLOW and VTI?

FLOW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FLOW and VTI?

FLOW and VTI share 63 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2804 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FLOW or VTI?

FLOW yields 2.10% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FLOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

X-ray your whole portfolio
$99/yr7-day refund. ETFs, mutual funds, 401(k)s.
Get Pro →