HWAY vs VTI
Themes US Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. HWAY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HWAY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 197 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.56% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.28% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
HWAY vs VTI Performance
Themes US Infrastructure ETF (HWAY) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HWAY returned +28.28% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, HWAY is up 20.56% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HWAY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -25.8% for HWAY 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HWAY charges 0.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HWAY currently yields 1.05% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HWAY and VTI share 77 holdings out of 2809 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HWAY or VTI?
HWAY has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HWAY or VTI?
Over the past year HWAY returned +28.28% vs +22.35% for VTI, so HWAY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HWAY annualized +25.42% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HWAY or VTI?
HWAY has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: HWAY -25.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HWAY and VTI?
HWAY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HWAY and VTI?
HWAY and VTI share 77 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2809 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HWAY or VTI?
HWAY yields 1.05% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.