PHYS vs VTI
PHYS vs VTI
Sprott Physical Gold Trust vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PHYS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PHYS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15.0B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.78% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.04% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.00% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.12% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott Asset Management LP | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
PHYS vs VTI Performance
Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHYS returned +26.04% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, PHYS is down 0.78% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, PHYS compounded at +30.00% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +19.12% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHYS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -48.2% for PHYS 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHYS charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHYS currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHYS or VTI?
PHYS has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHYS or VTI?
Over the past year PHYS returned +26.04% vs +24.16% for VTI, so PHYS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PHYS annualized +7.78% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHYS or VTI?
PHYS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PHYS -48.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PHYS and VTI?
PHYS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHYS or VTI?
PHYS yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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