NIKL vs VTI
Sprott Nickel Miners 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 | NIKL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $57M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.07% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -12.27% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.09% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.20% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
NIKL vs VTI Performance
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NIKL returned +21.09% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, NIKL is down 12.27% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, NIKL compounded at -1.20% per year against +21.54% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs -2.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIKL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.9% 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 -59.0% for NIKL 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIKL 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, NIKL currently yields 3.07% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NIKL and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2813 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NIKL or VTI?
NIKL 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, NIKL or VTI?
Over the past year NIKL returned +21.09% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NIKL annualized -2.26% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIKL or VTI?
NIKL has been the more volatile fund at 32.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NIKL -59.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NIKL and VTI?
NIKL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NIKL and VTI?
NIKL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2813 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIKL or VTI?
NIKL yields 3.07% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NIKL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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