PWRD vs VTI
TCW Transform Systems 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 | PWRD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.56% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.61% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.07% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | TCW ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 2, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
PWRD vs VTI Performance
TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) is a ETF from TCW ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PWRD returned +18.61% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, PWRD is up 9.56% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, PWRD compounded at +28.07% per year against +21.54% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, PWRD has the edge at +19.69% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PWRD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.5% 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 -25.9% for PWRD 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PWRD charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PWRD currently yields 0.06% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PWRD and VTI share 22 holdings out of 2796 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PWRD or VTI?
PWRD has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PWRD or VTI?
Over the past year PWRD returned +18.61% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PWRD annualized +19.69% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PWRD or VTI?
PWRD has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PWRD -25.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PWRD and VTI?
PWRD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PWRD and VTI?
PWRD and VTI share 22 common holdings with a 7.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PWRD or VTI?
PWRD yields 0.06% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.