LGH vs VTI
HCM Defender 500 Index 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 | LGH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $607M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 417 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.65% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.89% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.78% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Howard Capital Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 9, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
LGH vs VTI Performance
HCM Defender 500 Index ETF (LGH) is a ETF from Howard Capital Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LGH returned +15.89% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, LGH is up 5.65% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, LGH compounded at +19.79% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.78% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, LGH has the edge at +15.35% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LGH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -29.6% for LGH 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LGH charges 1.00% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $3 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LGH currently yields 0.37% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
LGH and VTI share 405 holdings out of 2800 unique holdings combined, representing a 77.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LGH or VTI?
LGH has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LGH or VTI?
Over the past year LGH returned +15.89% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), LGH annualized +15.35% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LGH or VTI?
LGH has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: LGH -29.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LGH and VTI?
LGH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LGH and VTI?
LGH and VTI share 405 common holdings with a 77.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2800 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LGH or VTI?
LGH yields 0.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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