ISMF vs VTI
iShares Managed Futures Active 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 | ISMF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $61M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.58% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 127 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.75% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.45% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
ISMF vs VTI Performance
iShares Managed Futures Active ETF (ISMF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISMF returned +18.45% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, ISMF is up 6.75% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.2% for ISMF. 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 -4.2% for ISMF 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISMF charges 0.80% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISMF currently yields 2.58% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ISMF and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISMF or VTI?
ISMF has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISMF or VTI?
Over the past year ISMF returned +18.45% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ISMF annualized +13.66% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISMF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.2% for ISMF. Worst drawdown: ISMF -4.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ISMF and VTI?
ISMF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISMF and VTI?
ISMF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISMF or VTI?
ISMF yields 2.58% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ISMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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