SMIZ vs VTI
Zacks Small/Mid 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 | SMIZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $285M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.55% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 203 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.13% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Zacks | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
SMIZ vs VTI Performance
Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) is a ETF from Zacks and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMIZ returned +21.13% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SMIZ is up 13.72% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SMIZ compounded at +21.98% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, SMIZ has the edge at +21.98% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMIZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% compared with 15.3% 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 -25.0% for SMIZ 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMIZ 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, SMIZ currently yields 0.55% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMIZ and VTI share 151 holdings out of 2835 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMIZ or VTI?
SMIZ 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, SMIZ or VTI?
Over the past year SMIZ returned +21.13% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMIZ annualized +21.98% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMIZ or VTI?
SMIZ has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMIZ -25.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMIZ and VTI?
SMIZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMIZ and VTI?
SMIZ and VTI share 151 common holdings with a 4.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2835 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMIZ or VTI?
SMIZ yields 0.55% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.