SLX vs VTI
VanEck Steel ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SLX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $165M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +24.94% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.55% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.03% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.03% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 10, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
SLX vs VTI Performance
VanEck Steel ETF (SLX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLX returned +56.55% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, SLX is up 24.94% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, SLX compounded at +20.03% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.03% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +7.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.8% 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 -82.1% for SLX 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLX charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLX currently yields 1.27% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SLX and VTI share 6 holdings out of 2820 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLX or VTI?
SLX has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLX or VTI?
Over the past year SLX returned +56.55% vs +22.43% for VTI, so SLX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SLX annualized +7.75% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLX or VTI?
SLX has been the more volatile fund at 33.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SLX -82.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SLX and VTI?
SLX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLX and VTI?
SLX and VTI share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2820 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLX or VTI?
SLX yields 1.27% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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