MSDD vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. MSDD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: MSDDMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMSDDVTIWinner
Expense Ratio1.50%0.03%
AUM$2M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings13,543
YTD Return-45.26%+14.16%
1Y Return+70.78%+23.62%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.43%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.33%
Volatility (annualized)133.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-84.9%-56.6%
Fund FamilyGraniteSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 9, 2025May 24, 2001

MSDD vs VTI Performance

GraniteShares 2x Short MSTR Daily ETF (MSDD) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSDD returned +70.78% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, MSDD is down 45.26% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MSDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 133.8% 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 -84.9% for MSDD 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 -0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MSDD charges 1.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $3 annually, a gap of $147 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSDD currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MSDD or VTI?

MSDD has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $147 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MSDD or VTI?

Over the past year MSDD returned +70.78% vs +23.62% for VTI, so MSDD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MSDD annualized +87.92% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MSDD or VTI?

MSDD has been the more volatile fund at 133.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MSDD -84.9% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both MSDD and VTI?

MSDD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, MSDD or VTI?

MSDD yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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