SMDV vs VTI
Proshares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers 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 | SMDV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $757M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.28% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.92% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.30% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.20% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.62% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
SMDV vs VTI Performance
Proshares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMDV returned +18.30% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, SMDV is up 18.92% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, SMDV compounded at +11.20% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.62% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SMDV has the edge at +8.28% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% 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 -34.1% for SMDV 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMDV charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMDV currently yields 2.28% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMDV and VTI share 72 holdings out of 2815 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, SMDV or VTI?
SMDV has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMDV or VTI?
Over the past year SMDV returned +18.30% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SMDV annualized +8.28% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMDV or VTI?
SMDV has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMDV -34.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMDV and VTI?
SMDV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMDV and VTI?
SMDV and VTI share 72 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2815 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMDV or VTI?
SMDV yields 2.28% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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