ISMD vs VTI
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ISMD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISMD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $349M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 504 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +28.49% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.70% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.45% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.29% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
ISMD vs VTI Performance
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF (ISMD) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISMD returned +33.70% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, ISMD is up 28.49% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, ISMD compounded at +17.45% per year against +21.85% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.29% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ISMD has the edge at +9.30% annualized vs +8.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -45.5% for ISMD 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISMD charges 0.57% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $3 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISMD currently yields 1.12% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ISMD and VTI share 381 holdings out of 2904 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISMD or VTI?
ISMD has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISMD or VTI?
Over the past year ISMD returned +33.70% vs +21.12% for VTI, so ISMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ISMD annualized +9.30% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISMD or VTI?
ISMD has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ISMD -45.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ISMD and VTI?
ISMD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISMD and VTI?
ISMD and VTI share 381 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2904 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISMD or VTI?
ISMD yields 1.12% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ISMD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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