SMMD vs VTI
iShares Russell 2500 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SMMD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMMD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 520 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +21.24% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.86% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.76% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
SMMD vs VTI Performance
iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) 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 SMMD returned +31.86% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SMMD is up 21.24% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SMMD compounded at +19.22% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.76% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SMMD has the edge at +10.52% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -41.1% for SMMD 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMMD 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, SMMD currently yields 1.07% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMMD and VTI share 29 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMMD or VTI?
SMMD 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, SMMD or VTI?
Over the past year SMMD returned +31.86% vs +22.35% for VTI, so SMMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SMMD annualized +10.52% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMMD or VTI?
SMMD has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMMD -41.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMMD and VTI?
SMMD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 SMMD and VTI?
SMMD and VTI share 29 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMMD or VTI?
SMMD yields 1.07% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMMD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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