HERZ vs VTI
Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc 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 | HERZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 29 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -24.57% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.71% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -2.97% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.79% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Herzfeld-Cuba | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 20, 1994 | May 24, 2001 |
HERZ vs VTI Performance
Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc (HERZ) is a ETF from Herzfeld-Cuba and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HERZ returned -6.71% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, HERZ is down 24.57% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, HERZ compounded at -2.97% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -2.79% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -0.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HERZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% 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 -84.7% for HERZ 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HERZ charges 3.45% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $345 vs $3 annually, a gap of $342 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
HERZ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2806 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, HERZ or VTI?
HERZ has an expense ratio of 3.45% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $342 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HERZ or VTI?
Over the past year HERZ returned -6.71% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), HERZ annualized -0.23% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HERZ or VTI?
HERZ has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: HERZ -84.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HERZ and VTI?
HERZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HERZ and VTI?
HERZ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
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