NOWL vs VTI
GraniteShares 2x Long NOW Daily 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 | NOWL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $234M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -47.29% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -67.00% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 122.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
NOWL vs VTI Performance
GraniteShares 2x Long NOW Daily ETF (NOWL) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NOWL returned -67.00% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, NOWL is down 47.29% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NOWL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 122.9% 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 -86.6% for NOWL 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NOWL 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, NOWL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NOWL and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2787 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NOWL | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOW | 66.67% | 0.14% | 66.53% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NOWL or VTI?
NOWL 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, NOWL or VTI?
Over the past year NOWL returned -67.00% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), NOWL annualized -68.73% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NOWL or VTI?
NOWL has been the more volatile fund at 122.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NOWL -86.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NOWL and VTI?
NOWL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NOWL and VTI?
NOWL and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NOWL or VTI?
NOWL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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