Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSTENVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.03%
AUM$38M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.17%1.07%
Holdings83,543
YTD Return+10.77%+14.20%
1Y Return-+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-6.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 30, 2025May 24, 2001

STEN vs VTI Performance

iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, STEN is up 10.77% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -6.2% for STEN and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

STEN charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STEN currently yields 0.17% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

STEN and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2785 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, STEN or VTI?

STEN has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between STEN and VTI?

STEN and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, STEN or VTI?

STEN yields 0.17% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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