LCAP vs VTI
Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. LCAP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LCAP | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.62% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.15% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
LCAP vs VTI Performance
Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF (LCAP) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LCAP returned +24.15% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, LCAP is up 14.62% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.8% for LCAP. 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 -11.3% for LCAP 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LCAP charges 0.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LCAP currently yields 0.09% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
LCAP and VTI share 50 holdings out of 2787 unique holdings combined, representing a 41.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LCAP or VTI?
LCAP has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LCAP or VTI?
Over the past year LCAP returned +24.15% vs +23.62% for VTI, so LCAP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), LCAP annualized +25.15% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LCAP or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.8% for LCAP. Worst drawdown: LCAP -11.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LCAP and VTI?
LCAP and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between LCAP and VTI?
LCAP and VTI share 50 common holdings with a 41.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LCAP or VTI?
LCAP yields 0.09% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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