OUSM vs VTI
O Shares US Small-Cap Quality Dividend 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 | OUSM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $900M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.84% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.27% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.48% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.02% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.70% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 30, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
OUSM vs VTI Performance
O Shares US Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF (OUSM) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OUSM returned +13.48% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, OUSM is up 15.27% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, OUSM compounded at +13.02% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.70% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, OUSM has the edge at +8.66% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OUSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -40.0% for OUSM 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OUSM charges 0.48% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $3 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OUSM currently yields 1.84% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
OUSM and VTI share 74 holdings out of 2817 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OUSM or VTI?
OUSM has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OUSM or VTI?
Over the past year OUSM returned +13.48% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), OUSM annualized +8.66% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OUSM or VTI?
OUSM has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: OUSM -40.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both OUSM and VTI?
OUSM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between OUSM and VTI?
OUSM and VTI share 74 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2817 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, OUSM or VTI?
OUSM yields 1.84% while VTI yields 1.07%, so OUSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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