SMLL vs VTI
Harbor Active 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 | SMLL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.52% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.88% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.33% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
SMLL vs VTI Performance
Harbor Active Small Cap ETF (SMLL) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMLL returned +3.33% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, SMLL is up 11.88% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMLL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -23.6% for SMLL 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMLL charges 0.80% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMLL currently yields 1.52% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMLL and VTI share 31 holdings out of 2806 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMLL or VTI?
SMLL has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMLL or VTI?
Over the past year SMLL returned +3.33% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMLL annualized +7.46% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMLL or VTI?
SMLL has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMLL -23.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMLL and VTI?
SMLL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMLL and VTI?
SMLL and VTI share 31 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMLL or VTI?
SMLL yields 1.52% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMLL 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.