SMMU vs VTI
PIMCO Short Term Municipal Bond Active Exchange-Traded Fund 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 | SMMU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.89% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 338 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.27% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.69% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.66% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.93% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
SMMU vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Short Term Municipal Bond Active Exchange-Traded Fund (SMMU) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMMU returned +2.69% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SMMU is up 1.27% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SMMU compounded at +3.66% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.93% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +0.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.6% for SMMU. 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 -5.1% for SMMU 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMMU charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMMU currently yields 2.89% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMMU and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3003 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, SMMU or VTI?
SMMU has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMMU or VTI?
Over the past year SMMU returned +2.69% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SMMU annualized +0.78% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMMU or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.6% for SMMU. Worst drawdown: SMMU -5.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMMU and VTI?
SMMU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMMU and VTI?
SMMU and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3003 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMMU or VTI?
SMMU yields 2.89% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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