LCR vs VTI
Leuthold Core 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 | LCR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $69M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.46% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.81% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.53% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.58% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Leuthold Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
LCR vs VTI Performance
Leuthold Core ETF (LCR) is a ETF from Leuthold Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LCR returned +10.81% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, LCR is up 1.46% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, LCR compounded at +5.53% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.58% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +7.80%. 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 10.1% for LCR. 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 -17.4% for LCR 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
LCR charges 0.83% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $3 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LCR currently yields 1.32% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
LCR and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2821 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, LCR or VTI?
LCR has an expense ratio of 0.83% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LCR or VTI?
Over the past year LCR returned +10.81% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), LCR annualized +7.80% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LCR or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.1% for LCR. Worst drawdown: LCR -17.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LCR and VTI?
LCR 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 LCR and VTI?
LCR and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2821 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LCR or VTI?
LCR yields 1.32% while VTI yields 1.07%, so LCR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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