LSAF vs VTI
LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. LSAF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LSAF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $123M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +22.94% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.47% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.20% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.41% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | LeaderShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 1, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
LSAF vs VTI Performance
LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF) is a ETF from LeaderShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LSAF returned +32.47% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, LSAF is up 22.94% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, LSAF compounded at +20.20% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.41% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, LSAF has the edge at +11.48% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LSAF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -41.7% for LSAF 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LSAF charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LSAF currently yields 0.60% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
LSAF and VTI share 85 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LSAF or VTI?
LSAF has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LSAF or VTI?
Over the past year LSAF returned +32.47% vs +23.62% for VTI, so LSAF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), LSAF annualized +11.48% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LSAF or VTI?
LSAF has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: LSAF -41.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LSAF and VTI?
LSAF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 LSAF and VTI?
LSAF and VTI share 85 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LSAF or VTI?
LSAF yields 0.60% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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