KRE vs VTI
State Street SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. KRE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KRE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 150 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.11% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.45% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.04% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.45% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
KRE vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KRE returned +32.45% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, KRE is up 19.11% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, KRE compounded at +21.04% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.45% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +3.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KRE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% 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 -71.2% for KRE 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KRE charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KRE currently yields 2.14% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
KRE and VTI share 123 holdings out of 2820 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KRE or VTI?
KRE has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KRE or VTI?
Over the past year KRE returned +32.45% vs +23.31% for VTI, so KRE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), KRE annualized +3.09% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KRE or VTI?
KRE has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: KRE -71.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KRE and VTI?
KRE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KRE and VTI?
KRE and VTI share 123 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2820 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KRE or VTI?
KRE yields 2.14% while VTI yields 1.07%, so KRE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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