SMIG vs VTI
Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth 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 | SMIG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.80% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.92% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.37% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.22% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.21% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 25, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
SMIG vs VTI Performance
Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMIG returned +15.37% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, SMIG is up 16.92% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, SMIG compounded at +14.22% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.21% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SMIG has the edge at +8.21% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -19.6% for SMIG 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMIG charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMIG currently yields 1.80% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMIG and VTI share 27 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMIG or VTI?
SMIG has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMIG or VTI?
Over the past year SMIG returned +15.37% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SMIG annualized +8.21% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMIG or VTI?
SMIG has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMIG -19.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMIG and VTI?
SMIG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMIG and VTI?
SMIG and VTI share 27 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMIG or VTI?
SMIG yields 1.80% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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