LDEM vs VTI
LDEM vs VTI
iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LDEM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.93% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 459 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.51% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.16% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.91% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.68% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
LDEM vs VTI Performance
iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF (LDEM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LDEM returned +13.16% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, LDEM is up 3.51% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, LDEM compounded at +13.91% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.68% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LDEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% 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 -40.8% for LDEM 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LDEM charges 0.17% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LDEM currently yields 2.93% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
LDEM and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3206 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, LDEM or VTI?
LDEM has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LDEM or VTI?
Over the past year LDEM returned +13.16% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), LDEM annualized +4.84% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LDEM or VTI?
LDEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: LDEM -40.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LDEM and VTI?
LDEM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LDEM and VTI?
LDEM and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3206 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LDEM or VTI?
LDEM yields 2.93% while VTI yields 1.07%, so LDEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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