ITAN vs VTI
Sparkline Intangible Value ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ITAN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ITAN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $117M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 159 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.80% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.67% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.62% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.78% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Sparkline Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
ITAN vs VTI Performance
Sparkline Intangible Value ETF (ITAN) is a ETF from Sparkline Capital and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ITAN returned +36.67% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, ITAN is up 20.80% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, ITAN compounded at +24.62% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.78% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ITAN has the edge at +12.96% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ITAN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -30.4% for ITAN 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ITAN charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ITAN currently yields 1.03% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ITAN and VTI share 132 holdings out of 2813 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ITAN or VTI?
ITAN has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ITAN or VTI?
Over the past year ITAN returned +36.67% vs +22.35% for VTI, so ITAN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ITAN annualized +12.96% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ITAN or VTI?
ITAN has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ITAN -30.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ITAN and VTI?
ITAN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ITAN and VTI?
ITAN and VTI share 132 common holdings with a 14.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2813 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITAN or VTI?
ITAN yields 1.03% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.