SWTSX vs VTI
Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SWTSX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $46.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,987 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.86% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -37.13% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -25.17% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 1, 1999 | May 24, 2001 |
SWTSX vs VTI Performance
Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX) is a mutual fund from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SWTSX returned +20.86% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SWTSX is up 13.14% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SWTSX compounded at -37.13% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -25.17% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -25.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SWTSX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.7% 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 -86.0% for SWTSX 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SWTSX charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SWTSX currently yields 1.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SWTSX and VTI share 2283 holdings out of 3464 unique holdings combined, representing a 79.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SWTSX or VTI?
SWTSX has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SWTSX or VTI?
Over the past year SWTSX returned +20.86% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SWTSX annualized -25.17% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SWTSX or VTI?
SWTSX has been the more volatile fund at 41.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SWTSX -86.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SWTSX and VTI?
SWTSX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SWTSX and VTI?
SWTSX and VTI share 2283 common holdings with a 79.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3464 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SWTSX or VTI?
SWTSX yields 1.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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