SIMS vs VTI
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures 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 | SIMS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $9M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.56% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.68% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.59% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.81% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.14% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
SIMS vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SIMS returned +20.59% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, SIMS is up 7.68% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, SIMS compounded at +10.81% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.14% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +5.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SIMS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% 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 -44.0% for SIMS 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SIMS charges 0.45% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIMS currently yields 0.56% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SIMS and VTI share 38 holdings out of 2803 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SIMS or VTI?
SIMS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SIMS or VTI?
Over the past year SIMS returned +20.59% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SIMS annualized +5.77% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SIMS or VTI?
SIMS has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SIMS -44.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SIMS and VTI?
SIMS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SIMS and VTI?
SIMS and VTI share 38 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2803 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIMS or VTI?
SIMS yields 0.56% 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.