HARD vs VTI
Simplify Commodities Strategy No K-1 ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HARD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $82M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 96 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.98% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.12% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.26% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
HARD vs VTI Performance
Simplify Commodities Strategy No K-1 ETF (HARD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HARD returned +15.12% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, HARD is up 8.98% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, HARD compounded at +10.26% per year against +21.17% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, HARD has the edge at +10.55% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HARD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -21.0% for HARD 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 -0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HARD charges 0.78% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $3 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HARD currently yields 3.15% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HARD and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HARD or VTI?
HARD has an expense ratio of 0.78% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HARD or VTI?
Over the past year HARD returned +15.12% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HARD annualized +10.55% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HARD or VTI?
HARD has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: HARD -21.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HARD and VTI?
HARD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HARD and VTI?
HARD and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HARD or VTI?
HARD yields 3.15% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HARD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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