STEW vs VTI
SRH Total Return Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | STEW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.28% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.12% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.98% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.54% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.89% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.12% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Paralel Advisors LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2002 | May 24, 2001 |
STEW vs VTI Performance
SRH Total Return Fund (STEW) is a ETF from Paralel Advisors LLC and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STEW returned +11.54% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, STEW is up 5.98% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, STEW compounded at +15.89% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.12% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +3.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 15.3% 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 -78.2% for STEW 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STEW charges 2.28% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $228 vs $3 annually, a gap of $225 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STEW currently yields 3.12% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
STEW and VTI share 17 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, STEW or VTI?
STEW has an expense ratio of 2.28% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $225 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STEW or VTI?
Over the past year STEW returned +11.54% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), STEW annualized +3.87% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STEW or VTI?
STEW has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: STEW -78.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both STEW and VTI?
STEW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between STEW and VTI?
STEW and VTI share 17 common holdings with a 8.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STEW or VTI?
STEW yields 3.12% while VTI yields 1.07%, so STEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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