GUG vs VTI
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund 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 | GUG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.22% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $547M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.71% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,262 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.78% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.74% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.14% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Guggenheim Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
GUG vs VTI Performance
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund (GUG) is a ETF from Guggenheim Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GUG returned +6.74% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, GUG is up 5.78% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, GUG compounded at +13.14% per year against +21.93% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +3.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 15.4% 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 -32.8% for GUG 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUG charges 2.22% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $222 vs $3 annually, a gap of $219 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUG currently yields 8.71% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GUG and VTI share 374 holdings out of 3190 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUG or VTI?
GUG has an expense ratio of 2.22% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $219 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUG or VTI?
Over the past year GUG returned +6.74% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), GUG annualized +3.57% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUG or VTI?
GUG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GUG -32.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GUG and VTI?
GUG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUG and VTI?
GUG and VTI share 374 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3190 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUG or VTI?
GUG yields 8.71% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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