LSAT vs VTI
LeaderShares AlphaFactor Tactical Focused ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, LSAT or VTI?
Tactical Allocation against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LSAT | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $66M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.62% | 1.07% |
| Holdings | 34 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +20.98%Best | +13.59% |
| 1Y Return | +14.41% | +20.00%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.47% | +20.95%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.49% | +11.81%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2%Best | 15.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5%Best | -25.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,350 | $17,474Best |
| Fund Family | LeaderShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity |
| Style | Tactical Allocation | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 26, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 27, 2020 to Sep 4, 2026 (5.9 years).
LSAT vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.9 years both funds cover.
LSAT vs VTI Performance
LeaderShares AlphaFactor Tactical Focused ETF (LSAT) is an ETF from LeaderShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LSAT returned +14.41% while VTI returned +20.00%. Year to date, LSAT is up 20.98% versus a gain of 13.59% for VTI.
Over three years, LSAT compounded at +12.47% per year against +20.95% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.49% and +11.81% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +15.89% annualized vs +13.53%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 15.2% for LSAT. 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 -20.5% for LSAT and -25.4% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LSAT charges 0.99% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $3 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LSAT currently yields 1.62% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
At least 63.8% of LSAT's money is in holdings VTI also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VTI, our book for it covers 92.3% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
The two holdings books were reported 49 days apart, LSAT as of Aug 18, 2026 and VTI as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
20 positions in common, counted across the 30 positions we hold weights for in LSAT and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 34 and 3,543.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in LSAT | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HALOHalozyme Therapeutics Inc | 4.24% | 0.01% | 4.23% |
| SMSm Energy Co | 4.22% | 0.00% | 4.22% |
| HOGHarley-Davidson | 3.51% | 0.00% | 3.51% |
| MTGMgic Investment Corp | 3.47% | 0.00% | 3.47% |
| CFCf Industries Holdings Inc. | 3.43% | 0.02% | 3.41% |
| FTNTFortinet Inc | 3.27% | 0.13% | 3.14% |
| SYFSynchrony Financial | 3.31% | 0.04% | 3.27% |
| JTWO:LNApi Group Corporation Common Stock | 3.25% | 0.02% | 3.23% |
| MTCHMatch Group Inc | 3.23% | 0.01% | 3.22% |
| AIGAmerican International Gr | 3.19% | 0.05% | 3.14% |
63.8% of LSAT is already inside VTI.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LSAT or VTI?
LSAT has an expense ratio of 0.99% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $96 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, LSAT or VTI?
Over the past year LSAT returned +14.41% vs +20.00% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), LSAT annualized +13.53% vs +15.89% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, LSAT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.2% for LSAT. Worst drawdown: LSAT -20.5% vs VTI -25.4%.
Should I hold both LSAT and VTI?
LSAT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between LSAT and VTI?
At least 63.8% of LSAT's money is in holdings VTI also owns. Our book for VTI is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 20 positions in common, counted across the 30 positions we hold weights for in LSAT and 2,787 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, LSAT or VTI?
LSAT yields 1.62% while VTI yields 1.07%, so LSAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than LSAT?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.