PICK vs VTI
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PICK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PICK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 288 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +21.54% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.13% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.08% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.11% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
PICK vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PICK returned +65.13% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, PICK is up 21.54% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, PICK compounded at +19.08% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.11% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +5.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PICK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.2% 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 -80.4% for PICK 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PICK charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PICK currently yields 2.26% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PICK and VTI share 19 holdings out of 3013 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, PICK or VTI?
PICK has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PICK or VTI?
Over the past year PICK returned +65.13% vs +24.16% for VTI, so PICK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PICK annualized +5.51% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PICK or VTI?
PICK has been the more volatile fund at 27.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PICK -80.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PICK and VTI?
PICK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PICK and VTI?
PICK and VTI share 19 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3013 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PICK or VTI?
PICK yields 2.26% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PICK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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