KWT vs VTI
iShares MSCI Kuwait 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 | KWT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $68M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.58% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -2.99% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.99% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.76% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.48% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 1, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
KWT vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Kuwait ETF (KWT) 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 KWT returned -1.99% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, KWT is down 2.99% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, KWT compounded at +9.76% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.48% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, KWT has the edge at +11.69% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.7% for KWT. 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 -24.4% for KWT 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KWT charges 0.74% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KWT currently yields 5.58% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
KWT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2823 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, KWT or VTI?
KWT has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KWT or VTI?
Over the past year KWT returned -1.99% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), KWT annualized +11.69% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KWT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.7% for KWT. Worst drawdown: KWT -24.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KWT and VTI?
KWT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KWT and VTI?
KWT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2823 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KWT or VTI?
KWT yields 5.58% while VTI yields 1.07%, so KWT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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