POWR vs VTI
iShares US Power Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | POWR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $463M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.79% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.40% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.72% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.59% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.30% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
POWR vs VTI Performance
iShares US Power Infrastructure ETF (POWR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year POWR returned +12.72% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, POWR is up 8.40% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, POWR compounded at +6.59% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +16.30% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +1.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
POWR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -72.1% for POWR 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
POWR 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, POWR currently yields 5.79% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
POWR and VTI share 52 holdings out of 2803 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, POWR or VTI?
POWR 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, POWR or VTI?
Over the past year POWR returned +12.72% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), POWR annualized +1.88% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, POWR or VTI?
POWR has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: POWR -72.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both POWR and VTI?
POWR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between POWR and VTI?
POWR and VTI share 52 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2803 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, POWR or VTI?
POWR yields 5.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so POWR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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