FSST vs VTI
Fidelity Sustainable US Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSST | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.66% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.71% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.45% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
FSST vs VTI Performance
Fidelity Sustainable US Equity ETF (FSST) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FSST returned +12.71% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, FSST is up 15.66% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, FSST compounded at +19.45% per year against +21.93% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, FSST has the edge at +11.54% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -26.3% for FSST 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSST charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSST currently yields 1.55% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FSST and VTI share 74 holdings out of 2807 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSST or VTI?
FSST has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSST or VTI?
Over the past year FSST returned +12.71% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FSST annualized +11.54% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSST or VTI?
FSST has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FSST -26.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FSST and VTI?
FSST and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 FSST and VTI?
FSST and VTI share 74 common holdings with a 36.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2807 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSST or VTI?
FSST yields 1.55% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FSST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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