GAA vs VTI
Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GAA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $72M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.53% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.59% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.23% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.30% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.5% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
GAA vs VTI Performance
Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GAA returned +15.23% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, GAA is up 9.59% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, GAA compounded at +12.82% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.30% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +6.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 9.5% for GAA. 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 -26.6% for GAA 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAA charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAA currently yields 3.53% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GAA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2813 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GAA or VTI?
GAA has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAA or VTI?
Over the past year GAA returned +15.23% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), GAA annualized +6.55% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 9.5% for GAA. Worst drawdown: GAA -26.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GAA and VTI?
GAA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAA and VTI?
GAA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2813 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAA or VTI?
GAA yields 3.53% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GAA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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