GSSC vs VTI
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. GSSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSSC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,422 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.08% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.49% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.46% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.94% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
GSSC vs VTI Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF (GSSC) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSSC returned +28.49% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, GSSC is up 20.08% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, GSSC compounded at +17.46% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.94% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, GSSC has the edge at +10.06% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -42.5% for GSSC 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSSC charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSSC currently yields 1.05% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GSSC and VTI share 905 holdings out of 3112 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSSC or VTI?
GSSC has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSSC or VTI?
Over the past year GSSC returned +28.49% vs +21.39% for VTI, so GSSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GSSC annualized +10.06% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSSC or VTI?
GSSC has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GSSC -42.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GSSC and VTI?
GSSC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSSC and VTI?
GSSC and VTI share 905 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3112 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSSC or VTI?
GSSC yields 1.05% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.