JAPN vs VTI
Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator 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 | JAPN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $26M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.24% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.46% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.59% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Kinetics LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
JAPN vs VTI Performance
Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF (JAPN) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JAPN returned -10.59% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, JAPN is down 1.46% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JAPN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -23.9% for JAPN 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JAPN charges 0.85% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JAPN currently yields 0.24% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
JAPN and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2820 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, JAPN or VTI?
JAPN has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JAPN or VTI?
Over the past year JAPN returned -10.59% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), JAPN annualized +1.22% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JAPN or VTI?
JAPN has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: JAPN -23.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JAPN and VTI?
JAPN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JAPN and VTI?
JAPN and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2820 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JAPN or VTI?
JAPN yields 0.24% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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