HECA vs VTI
Hedgeye Capital Allocation 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 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HECA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $289M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 22 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.25% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.97% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Hedgeye Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
HECA vs VTI Performance
Hedgeye Capital Allocation ETF (HECA) is a ETF from Hedgeye Asset Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HECA returned +10.97% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, HECA is up 0.25% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 12.5% for HECA. 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 -12.8% for HECA 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
HECA charges 1.02% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $3 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HECA currently yields 2.04% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HECA and VTI share 44 holdings out of 2787 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HECA or VTI?
HECA has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $99 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HECA or VTI?
Over the past year HECA returned +10.97% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HECA annualized +11.99% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HECA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 12.5% for HECA. Worst drawdown: HECA -12.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HECA and VTI?
HECA 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 HECA and VTI?
HECA and VTI share 44 common holdings with a 35.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HECA or VTI?
HECA yields 2.04% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HECA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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