SVAL vs VTI
iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SVAL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $211M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.05% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 262 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +27.16% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.67% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.95% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.65% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
SVAL vs VTI Performance
iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (SVAL) 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 SVAL returned +36.67% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, SVAL is up 27.16% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, SVAL compounded at +18.95% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.65% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SVAL has the edge at +17.44% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SVAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -27.4% for SVAL 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SVAL charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SVAL currently yields 2.05% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SVAL and VTI share 184 holdings out of 2846 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SVAL or VTI?
SVAL has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SVAL or VTI?
Over the past year SVAL returned +36.67% vs +22.17% for VTI, so SVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SVAL annualized +17.44% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SVAL or VTI?
SVAL has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SVAL -27.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SVAL and VTI?
SVAL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SVAL and VTI?
SVAL and VTI share 184 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2846 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SVAL or VTI?
SVAL yields 2.05% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SVAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.