SEA vs VTI
US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $16M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.17% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +41.41% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.53% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.65% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ETF Series Solutions | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
SEA vs VTI Performance
US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) is a ETF from ETF Series Solutions and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEA returned +46.53% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SEA is up 41.41% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SEA compounded at +23.65% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, SEA has the edge at +12.02% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.0% 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 -39.5% for SEA 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEA charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEA currently yields 5.17% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SEA and VTI share 3 holdings out of 2814 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SEA or VTI?
SEA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEA or VTI?
Over the past year SEA returned +46.53% vs +22.35% for VTI, so SEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SEA annualized +12.02% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEA or VTI?
SEA has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SEA -39.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SEA and VTI?
SEA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEA and VTI?
SEA and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2814 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEA or VTI?
SEA yields 5.17% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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