IPO vs VTI
Renaissance IPO 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 | IPO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $173M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.45% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +21.38% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.68% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.91% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Renaissance Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
IPO vs VTI Performance
Renaissance IPO ETF (IPO) is a ETF from Renaissance Capital and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IPO returned +14.68% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, IPO is up 21.38% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, IPO compounded at +21.49% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.91% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, IPO has the edge at +8.46% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IPO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% 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 -68.8% for IPO 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IPO charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IPO currently yields 0.45% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IPO and VTI share 35 holdings out of 2804 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IPO or VTI?
IPO has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IPO or VTI?
Over the past year IPO returned +14.68% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IPO annualized +8.46% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IPO or VTI?
IPO has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IPO -68.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IPO and VTI?
IPO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IPO and VTI?
IPO and VTI share 35 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2804 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IPO or VTI?
IPO yields 0.45% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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