SMIN vs VTI
iShares MSCI India Small-Cap 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 | SMIN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $772M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 467 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.03% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.20% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.13% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.98% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.4% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
SMIN vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF (SMIN) 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 SMIN returned +1.20% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, SMIN is up 2.03% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, SMIN compounded at +9.13% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.98% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SMIN has the edge at +8.92% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMIN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% 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 -60.5% for SMIN 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMIN charges 0.74% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMIN currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMIN and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3246 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMIN or VTI?
SMIN has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMIN or VTI?
Over the past year SMIN returned +1.20% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SMIN annualized +8.92% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMIN or VTI?
SMIN has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMIN -60.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMIN and VTI?
SMIN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMIN and VTI?
SMIN and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3246 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMIN or VTI?
SMIN yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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