SIFI vs VTI
Harbor Ares Systematic Multi-Sector Income ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, SIFI or VTI?
Diversified Sectoral Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SIFI | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $23M | $690.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 8.13% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 374 | 3,524 |
| YTD Return | -0.15% | +14.72%Best |
| 1Y Return | +1.17% | +16.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.88% | +22.93%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.24% | +12.78%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7%Best | 15.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -14.7%Best | -25.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,171 | $18,246Best |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Diversified Sectoral Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 16, 2021 to Oct 6, 2026 (5.1 years).
SIFI vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.1 years both funds cover.
SIFI vs VTI Performance
Harbor Ares Systematic Multi-Sector Income ETF (SIFI) is an ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SIFI returned +1.17% while VTI returned +16.82%. Year to date, SIFI is down 0.15% versus a gain of 14.72% for VTI.
Over three years, SIFI compounded at +6.88% per year against +22.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.24% and +12.78% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 5.7% for SIFI. 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 -14.7% for SIFI and -25.4% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SIFI charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIFI currently yields 8.13% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 143 holdings in SIFI and 3,463 in VTI, totalling 73.0% and 98.1% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 47 days apart, SIFI as of Sep 16, 2026 and VTI as of Jul 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 143 positions we hold weights for in SIFI and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 374 and 3,524.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SIFI and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SIFI or VTI?
SIFI has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $47 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SIFI or VTI?
Over the past year SIFI returned +1.17% vs +16.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SIFI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 5.7% for SIFI. Worst drawdown: SIFI -14.7% vs VTI -25.4%.
Should I hold both SIFI and VTI?
SIFI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIFI or VTI?
SIFI yields 8.13% while VTI yields 1.03%, so SIFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than SIFI?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.