STSM vs VTI
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short TSM ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, STSM or VTI?
Trading-Inverse Equity against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | STSM | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $2M | $689.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.06% |
| Holdings | 12 | 3,542 |
| YTD Return | -63.67% | +12.23%Best |
| 1Y Return | -73.49% | +12.74%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.83% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 68.4% | 13.2%Best |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Max Drawdown, $10,000 over the window, Top 10 Weight.
STSM vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
STSM vs VTI Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short TSM ETF (STSM) is an ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STSM returned -73.49% while VTI returned +12.74%. Year to date, STSM is down 63.67% versus a gain of 12.23% for VTI.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 68.4% compared with 13.2% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.48. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STSM charges 1.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $3 annually, a gap of $127 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STSM currently yields 0.00% against 1.06% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in STSM and 3,464 in VTI, totalling 8.6% and 97.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in STSM and 3,464 in VTI, against full books of 12 and 3,542.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of STSM and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, STSM or VTI?
STSM has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $127 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, STSM or VTI?
Over the past year STSM returned -73.49% vs +12.74% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, STSM or VTI?
STSM has been the more volatile fund at 68.4% annualized versus 13.2% for VTI.
Should I hold both STSM and VTI?
STSM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.48, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, STSM or VTI?
STSM yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.06%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than STSM?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.