ION vs VTI
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ION delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ION | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -2.24% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +54.57% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.28% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
ION vs VTI Performance
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ION returned +54.57% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, ION is down 2.24% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, ION compounded at +17.28% per year against +21.93% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +7.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ION has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.1% 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 -52.2% for ION 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ION charges 0.58% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ION currently yields 1.61% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ION and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2838 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ION | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALB | 2.83% | 0.02% | 2.81% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ION or VTI?
ION has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ION or VTI?
Over the past year ION returned +54.57% vs +22.17% for VTI, so ION leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), ION annualized +7.43% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ION or VTI?
ION has been the more volatile fund at 31.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ION -52.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ION and VTI?
ION and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ION and VTI?
ION and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2838 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ION or VTI?
ION yields 1.61% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ION 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.