GURU vs VTI
Global X Guru Index ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. GURU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GURU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $64M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 91 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.59% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.01% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.02% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.68% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
GURU vs VTI Performance
Global X Guru Index ETF (GURU) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GURU returned +25.01% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GURU is up 12.59% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GURU compounded at +24.02% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.68% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, GURU has the edge at +12.41% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GURU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -38.5% for GURU 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
GURU charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GURU currently yields 0.08% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GURU and VTI share 68 holdings out of 2805 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GURU or VTI?
GURU has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GURU or VTI?
Over the past year GURU returned +25.01% vs +22.35% for VTI, so GURU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GURU annualized +12.41% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GURU or VTI?
GURU has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GURU -38.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GURU and VTI?
GURU 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 GURU and VTI?
GURU and VTI share 68 common holdings with a 15.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2805 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GURU or VTI?
GURU yields 0.08% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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