SMMV vs VTI
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Minimum Volatility Factor 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 | SMMV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $292M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.65% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 369 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.75% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.16% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.83% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.49% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
SMMV vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Minimum Volatility Factor ETF (SMMV) 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 SMMV returned +13.16% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SMMV is up 10.75% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SMMV compounded at +13.83% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.49% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +7.99%. 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 13.7% for SMMV. 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 -38.8% for SMMV 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMMV charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMMV currently yields 1.65% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMMV and VTI share 226 holdings out of 2911 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMMV or VTI?
SMMV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMMV or VTI?
Over the past year SMMV returned +13.16% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SMMV annualized +7.99% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMMV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.7% for SMMV. Worst drawdown: SMMV -38.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMMV and VTI?
SMMV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMMV and VTI?
SMMV and VTI share 226 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMMV or VTI?
SMMV yields 1.65% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMMV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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