IPAY vs VTI
Amplify Digital Payments ETF 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 | IPAY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $188M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.04% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.38% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.87% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.56% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
IPAY vs VTI Performance
Amplify Digital Payments ETF (IPAY) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IPAY returned -10.38% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, IPAY is up 1.04% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, IPAY compounded at +7.87% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -5.56% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +6.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IPAY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.3% compared with 15.4% 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 -51.8% for IPAY 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IPAY charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IPAY currently yields 0.82% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IPAY and VTI share 22 holdings out of 2806 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IPAY or VTI?
IPAY has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IPAY or VTI?
Over the past year IPAY returned -10.38% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IPAY annualized +6.95% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IPAY or VTI?
IPAY has been the more volatile fund at 23.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IPAY -51.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IPAY and VTI?
IPAY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IPAY and VTI?
IPAY and VTI share 22 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IPAY or VTI?
IPAY yields 0.82% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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