SOLR vs VTI
Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SOLR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SOLR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.59% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.08% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.49% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.08% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.10% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 11, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
SOLR vs VTI Performance
Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF (SOLR) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SOLR returned +28.49% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SOLR is up 10.08% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SOLR compounded at +5.08% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.10% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +7.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOLR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -38.0% for SOLR 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOLR charges 0.79% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOLR currently yields 0.59% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SOLR and VTI share 10 holdings out of 2803 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SOLR or VTI?
SOLR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOLR or VTI?
Over the past year SOLR returned +28.49% vs +22.39% for VTI, so SOLR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SOLR annualized +7.45% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOLR or VTI?
SOLR has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SOLR -38.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SOLR and VTI?
SOLR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOLR and VTI?
SOLR and VTI share 10 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2803 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOLR or VTI?
SOLR yields 0.59% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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