SUSA vs VTI
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SUSA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SUSA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 198 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.63% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.72% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.86% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.80% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 24, 2005 | May 24, 2001 |
SUSA vs VTI Performance
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA ETF (SUSA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SUSA returned +22.72% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SUSA is up 13.63% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SUSA compounded at +20.86% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.80% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, SUSA has the edge at +9.27% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.2% for SUSA. 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 -54.9% for SUSA 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
SUSA charges 0.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SUSA currently yields 0.85% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SUSA and VTI share 185 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SUSA or VTI?
SUSA has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SUSA or VTI?
Over the past year SUSA returned +22.72% vs +22.35% for VTI, so SUSA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), SUSA annualized +9.27% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SUSA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.2% for SUSA. Worst drawdown: SUSA -54.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SUSA and VTI?
SUSA 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 SUSA and VTI?
SUSA and VTI share 185 common holdings with a 53.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SUSA or VTI?
SUSA yields 0.85% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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