PIT vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. PIT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: PITMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPITVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.55%0.03%
AUM$295M$663.5B
Dividend Yield7.15%1.07%
Holdings303,543
YTD Return+43.46%+14.16%
1Y Return+47.11%+23.62%
3Y Return (annualized)+17.30%+21.43%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.33%
Volatility (annualized)17.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-17.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilyVanEckVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 20, 2022May 24, 2001

PIT vs VTI Performance

VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PIT returned +47.11% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, PIT is up 43.46% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.

Over three years, PIT compounded at +17.30% per year against +21.43% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, PIT has the edge at +15.27% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -17.2% for PIT 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 -0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PIT charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIT currently yields 7.15% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PIT or VTI?

PIT has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PIT or VTI?

Over the past year PIT returned +47.11% vs +23.62% for VTI, so PIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PIT annualized +15.27% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PIT or VTI?

PIT has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PIT -17.2% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both PIT and VTI?

PIT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, PIT or VTI?

PIT yields 7.15% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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