OPTZ vs VTI
Optimize Strategy Index ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. OPTZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OPTZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $255M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 336 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +31.41% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.04% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Optimize Financial | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 23, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
OPTZ vs VTI Performance
Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ) is a ETF from Optimize Financial and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OPTZ returned +42.04% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, OPTZ is up 31.41% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OPTZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% compared with 15.4% 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 -25.5% for OPTZ 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OPTZ charges 0.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OPTZ currently yields 0.42% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
OPTZ and VTI share 264 holdings out of 2853 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OPTZ or VTI?
OPTZ has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OPTZ or VTI?
Over the past year OPTZ returned +42.04% vs +22.39% for VTI, so OPTZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), OPTZ annualized +32.26% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OPTZ or VTI?
OPTZ has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: OPTZ -25.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both OPTZ and VTI?
OPTZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between OPTZ and VTI?
OPTZ and VTI share 264 common holdings with a 22.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2853 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, OPTZ or VTI?
OPTZ yields 0.42% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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