NERD vs VTI
Roundhill Video Games 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 | NERD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -8.59% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | -17.11% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.19% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.63% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Roundhill Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
NERD vs VTI Performance
Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD) is a ETF from Roundhill Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NERD returned -17.11% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, NERD is down 8.59% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, NERD compounded at +15.19% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -3.63% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +6.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NERD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% 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 -65.6% for NERD 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NERD charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NERD currently yields 1.40% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NERD and VTI share 3 holdings out of 2820 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NERD or VTI?
NERD has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NERD or VTI?
Over the past year NERD returned -17.11% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NERD annualized +6.37% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NERD or VTI?
NERD has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NERD -65.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NERD and VTI?
NERD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NERD and VTI?
NERD and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2820 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NERD or VTI?
NERD yields 1.40% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NERD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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