SMLF vs VTI
iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SMLF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMLF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.02% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 934 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.32% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.26% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.99% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.89% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
SMLF vs VTI Performance
iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) 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 SMLF returned +27.26% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, SMLF is up 17.32% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, SMLF compounded at +19.99% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.89% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SMLF has the edge at +10.99% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMLF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% 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 -43.1% for SMLF 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMLF charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMLF currently yields 1.02% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMLF and VTI share 628 holdings out of 3021 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMLF or VTI?
SMLF has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMLF or VTI?
Over the past year SMLF returned +27.26% vs +21.39% for VTI, so SMLF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SMLF annualized +10.99% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMLF or VTI?
SMLF has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMLF -43.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMLF and VTI?
SMLF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SMLF and VTI?
SMLF and VTI share 628 common holdings with a 3.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3021 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMLF or VTI?
SMLF yields 1.02% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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