GENZ vs VTI
VanEck Digital Native Economy 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 | GENZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $17M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.38% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -8.16% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.94% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.58% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
GENZ vs VTI Performance
VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GENZ returned -8.16% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GENZ is down 1.38% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GENZ compounded at +0.94% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.58% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +2.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GENZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% 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 -71.1% for GENZ 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GENZ charges 0.51% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $3 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GENZ currently yields 3.54% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GENZ and VTI share 28 holdings out of 2795 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GENZ or VTI?
GENZ has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GENZ or VTI?
Over the past year GENZ returned -8.16% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GENZ annualized +2.29% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GENZ or VTI?
GENZ has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GENZ -71.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GENZ and VTI?
GENZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GENZ and VTI?
GENZ and VTI share 28 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GENZ or VTI?
GENZ yields 3.54% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GENZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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