INFL vs VTI
Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. INFL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INFL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.90% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.77% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.95% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.36% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Kinetics LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 11, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
INFL vs VTI Performance
Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF (INFL) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year INFL returned +25.77% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, INFL is up 17.90% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, INFL compounded at +19.95% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.36% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, INFL has the edge at +15.68% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
INFL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -21.3% for INFL 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INFL charges 0.85% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INFL currently yields 0.83% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
INFL and VTI share 12 holdings out of 2816 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INFL or VTI?
INFL has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INFL or VTI?
Over the past year INFL returned +25.77% vs +22.19% for VTI, so INFL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), INFL annualized +15.68% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INFL or VTI?
INFL has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: INFL -21.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both INFL and VTI?
INFL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INFL and VTI?
INFL and VTI share 12 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2816 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INFL or VTI?
INFL yields 0.83% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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