KSA vs VTI
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia 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 | KSA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $622M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.84% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.62% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.73% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.02% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.28% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 16, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
KSA vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA) 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 KSA returned +3.73% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, KSA is up 5.62% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, KSA compounded at +1.02% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.28% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -65.5% for KSA 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KSA charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KSA currently yields 2.84% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
KSA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2905 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, KSA or VTI?
KSA has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KSA or VTI?
Over the past year KSA returned +3.73% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), KSA annualized +2.22% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KSA or VTI?
KSA has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: KSA -65.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KSA and VTI?
KSA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KSA and VTI?
KSA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2905 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KSA or VTI?
KSA yields 2.84% while VTI yields 1.07%, so KSA 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.