STAX vs VTI
Nomura Tax-Free USA Short Term 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 | STAX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.17% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.06% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.19% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
STAX vs VTI Performance
Nomura Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX) is a ETF from Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STAX returned +2.19% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, STAX is up 1.06% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.7% for STAX. 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 -1.4% for STAX 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STAX charges 0.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STAX currently yields 3.17% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
STAX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2810 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, STAX or VTI?
STAX has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STAX or VTI?
Over the past year STAX returned +2.19% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), STAX annualized +3.30% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STAX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.7% for STAX. Worst drawdown: STAX -1.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both STAX and VTI?
STAX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between STAX and VTI?
STAX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2810 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STAX or VTI?
STAX yields 3.17% while VTI yields 1.07%, so STAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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