STOX vs VTI
Horizon Core Equity 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 | STOX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $217M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 172 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.36% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.97% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
STOX vs VTI Performance
Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STOX returned +20.97% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, STOX is up 12.36% 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 12.0% for STOX. 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 -9.3% for STOX 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STOX charges 0.70% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STOX currently yields 0.17% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
STOX and VTI share 162 holdings out of 2791 unique holdings combined, representing a 62.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, STOX or VTI?
STOX has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STOX or VTI?
Over the past year STOX returned +20.97% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), STOX annualized +22.48% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STOX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.0% for STOX. Worst drawdown: STOX -9.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both STOX and VTI?
STOX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between STOX and VTI?
STOX and VTI share 162 common holdings with a 62.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STOX or VTI?
STOX yields 0.17% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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