KNO vs VTI
AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. KNO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KNO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $46M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 77 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +24.76% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.52% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
KNO vs VTI Performance
AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) is a ETF from Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KNO returned +29.52% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, KNO is up 24.76% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.9% for KNO. 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 -15.5% for KNO 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNO charges 0.84% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $3 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNO currently yields 0.88% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
KNO and VTI share 9 holdings out of 2842 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KNO or VTI?
KNO has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNO or VTI?
Over the past year KNO returned +29.52% vs +21.39% for VTI, so KNO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KNO annualized +21.25% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNO or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for KNO. Worst drawdown: KNO -15.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KNO and VTI?
KNO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KNO and VTI?
KNO and VTI share 9 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2842 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNO or VTI?
KNO yields 0.88% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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