GAL vs VTI
State Street Global 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 | GAL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $303M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.21% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.82% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.05% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.92% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.02% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
GAL vs VTI Performance
State Street Global Allocation ETF (GAL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GAL returned +16.05% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, GAL is up 9.82% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, GAL compounded at +13.92% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.02% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +5.68%. 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 10.0% for GAL. 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 -28.3% for GAL 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
GAL charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAL currently yields 3.21% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GAL and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2802 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, GAL or VTI?
GAL has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAL or VTI?
Over the past year GAL returned +16.05% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GAL annualized +5.68% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 10.0% for GAL. Worst drawdown: GAL -28.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GAL and VTI?
GAL 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 GAL and VTI?
GAL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2802 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAL or VTI?
GAL yields 3.21% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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