SARK vs VTI

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSARKVTIWinner
Expense Ratio1.00%0.03%
AUM$44M$663.5B
Dividend Yield3.16%1.07%
Holdings103,543
YTD Return-12.15%+14.96%
1Y Return-16.32%+22.39%
3Y Return (annualized)-31.55%+21.51%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.36%
Volatility (annualized)47.2%15.4%
Max Drawdown-81.1%-56.6%
Fund FamilyTradr ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 5, 2021May 24, 2001

SARK vs VTI Performance

Tradr 1X Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SARK returned -16.32% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SARK is down 12.15% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.

Over three years, SARK compounded at -31.55% per year against +21.51% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -14.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SARK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.2% compared with 15.4% 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 -81.1% for SARK 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 -0.75. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SARK charges 1.00% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $3 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SARK currently yields 3.16% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SARK or VTI?

SARK has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SARK or VTI?

Over the past year SARK returned -16.32% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SARK annualized -14.36% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SARK or VTI?

SARK has been the more volatile fund at 47.2% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SARK -81.1% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both SARK and VTI?

SARK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, SARK or VTI?

SARK yields 3.16% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SARK currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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