SIZE vs VTI
iShares MSCI USA Size Factor 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 | SIZE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $448M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.36% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 533 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.20% | +12.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.85% | +20.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.90% | +21.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.40% | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
SIZE vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI USA Size Factor ETF (SIZE) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SIZE returned +17.85% while VTI returned +20.47%. Year to date, SIZE is up 14.20% versus a gain of 12.79% for VTI.
Over three years, SIZE compounded at +16.90% per year against +21.53% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.40% and +11.84% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SIZE has the edge at +10.93% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.3% for SIZE. 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 -39.1% for SIZE 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SIZE charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIZE currently yields 1.36% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SIZE and VTI share 466 holdings out of 2828 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SIZE or VTI?
SIZE has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SIZE or VTI?
Over the past year SIZE returned +17.85% vs +20.47% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SIZE annualized +10.93% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SIZE or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SIZE. Worst drawdown: SIZE -39.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SIZE and VTI?
SIZE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SIZE and VTI?
SIZE and VTI share 466 common holdings with a 38.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2828 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIZE or VTI?
SIZE yields 1.36% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SIZE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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