SETM vs VTI
Sprott Critical Materials ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SETM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SETM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $522M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 127 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.42% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +64.70% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.68% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
SETM vs VTI Performance
Sprott Critical Materials ETF (SETM) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SETM returned +64.70% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, SETM is up 8.42% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, SETM compounded at +25.68% per year against +21.12% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, SETM has the edge at +16.97% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SETM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.4% 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 -41.8% for SETM 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SETM charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SETM currently yields 1.46% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SETM and VTI share 4 holdings out of 2902 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SETM or VTI?
SETM has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SETM or VTI?
Over the past year SETM returned +64.70% vs +24.16% for VTI, so SETM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SETM annualized +16.97% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SETM or VTI?
SETM has been the more volatile fund at 31.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SETM -41.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SETM and VTI?
SETM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SETM and VTI?
SETM and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2902 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SETM or VTI?
SETM yields 1.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SETM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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