SMDX vs VTI
Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SMDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMDX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $135M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 557 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.39% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.11% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Intech ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
SMDX vs VTI Performance
Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) is a ETF from Intech ETF and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMDX returned +24.11% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SMDX is up 16.39% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.7% for SMDX. 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 -14.5% for SMDX 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMDX charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMDX currently yields 0.52% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMDX and VTI share 402 holdings out of 2911 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMDX or VTI?
SMDX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMDX or VTI?
Over the past year SMDX returned +24.11% vs +22.35% for VTI, so SMDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMDX annualized +22.24% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMDX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.7% for SMDX. Worst drawdown: SMDX -14.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMDX and VTI?
SMDX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMDX and VTI?
SMDX and VTI share 402 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMDX or VTI?
SMDX yields 0.52% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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