STRN vs VTI
SMART Trend 25 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. STRN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | STRN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $28M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.16% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +21.14% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.37% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SMART Wealth, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 20, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
STRN vs VTI Performance
SMART Trend 25 ETF (STRN) is a ETF from SMART Wealth, LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STRN returned +35.37% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, STRN is up 21.14% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STRN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.1% 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 -15.4% for STRN 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STRN charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STRN currently yields 0.16% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
STRN and VTI share 23 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, STRN or VTI?
STRN has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STRN or VTI?
Over the past year STRN returned +35.37% vs +21.12% for VTI, so STRN leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STRN or VTI?
STRN has been the more volatile fund at 28.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: STRN -15.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both STRN and VTI?
STRN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 STRN and VTI?
STRN and VTI share 23 common holdings with a 16.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STRN or VTI?
STRN yields 0.16% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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