HWSM vs VTI
Hotchkis & Wiley SMID Cap Diversified Value Fund ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. HWSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HWSM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 166 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.53% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.66% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Hotchkis & Wiley Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
HWSM vs VTI Performance
Hotchkis & Wiley SMID Cap Diversified Value Fund ETF (HWSM) is a ETF from Hotchkis & Wiley Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HWSM returned +23.66% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, HWSM is up 16.53% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.0% for HWSM. 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 -15.7% for HWSM 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HWSM charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HWSM currently yields 1.15% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HWSM and VTI share 124 holdings out of 2828 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HWSM or VTI?
HWSM has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HWSM or VTI?
Over the past year HWSM returned +23.66% vs +22.35% for VTI, so HWSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HWSM annualized +21.62% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HWSM or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.0% for HWSM. Worst drawdown: HWSM -15.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HWSM and VTI?
HWSM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HWSM and VTI?
HWSM and VTI share 124 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2828 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HWSM or VTI?
HWSM yields 1.15% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HWSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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