GAST vs VTI
Gabelli Automation ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, GAST or VTI?
Each has led over a different period.
GAST has a lower expense ratio. GAST led over 1Y, VTI over the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GAST | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00%Best | 0.03% |
| AUM | $5M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 49 | 3,543 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 16.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6%Best | -23.9% |
| $10,000 over 3.9 years | $13,182 | $14,902Best |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 273 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. GAST has data through Dec 12, 2025 and VTI through Sep 11, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 5, 2022 to Dec 12, 2025 (3.9 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GAST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 16.1% 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 -23.6% for GAST and -23.9% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAST charges 0.00% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAST currently yields 0.63% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
At least 59.0% of GAST's money is in holdings VTI also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VTI, our book for it covers 90.6% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
The two holdings books were reported 273 days apart, GAST as of Sep 30, 2025 and VTI as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
32 positions in common, counted across the 49 positions we hold weights for in GAST and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 49 and 3,543.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GAST | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOOGLAlphabet A Usd 0.001 | 3.29% | 2.88% | 0.41% |
| AMZNAmazon.Com Inc | 1.68% | 3.17% | 1.49% |
| ROKRockwell Automation Inc. | 4.65% | 0.08% | 4.57% |
| EMREmerson Electric Co. | 4.43% | 0.11% | 4.32% |
| AZZAzz Inc | 4.32% | 0.00% | 4.32% |
| ORCLOracle Corp. | 3.71% | 0.35% | 3.36% |
| AMEAmetek Inc. | 3.46% | 0.08% | 3.38% |
| ICEInterContinental Hotels Group PLC Ord Gbp0.208521303 | 2.91% | 0.10% | 2.81% |
| FSTRL B Foster Co | 2.67% | 0.00% | 2.67% |
| RSGRepublic Services Inc. Class A | 2.60% | 0.06% | 2.54% |
59.0% of GAST is already inside VTI.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GAST or VTI?
GAST has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. GAST is the cheaper option, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, GAST or VTI?
GAST has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 16.1% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GAST -23.6% vs VTI -23.9%.
Should I hold both GAST and VTI?
GAST and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between GAST and VTI?
At least 59.0% of GAST's money is in holdings VTI also owns. Our book for VTI is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 32 positions in common, counted across the 49 positions we hold weights for in GAST and 2,787 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAST or VTI?
GAST yields 0.63% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than GAST?
GAST has a lower expense ratio. GAST led over 1Y, VTI over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.