SWZ vs VTI
Total Return Securities Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SWZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.62% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $96M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -4.49% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.30% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.30% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.51% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Total Return Securities Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 1987 | May 24, 2001 |
SWZ vs VTI Performance
Total Return Securities Fund (SWZ) is a ETF from Total Return Securities Fund and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SWZ returned -2.30% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, SWZ is down 4.49% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, SWZ compounded at +6.30% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.51% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, SWZ has the edge at +11.59% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SWZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.8% compared with 15.4% 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 -57.7% for SWZ 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SWZ charges 1.62% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $162 vs $3 annually, a gap of $159 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SWZ currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SWZ and VTI share 8 holdings out of 2803 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SWZ or VTI?
SWZ has an expense ratio of 1.62% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $159 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SWZ or VTI?
Over the past year SWZ returned -2.30% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), SWZ annualized +11.59% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SWZ or VTI?
SWZ has been the more volatile fund at 27.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SWZ -57.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SWZ and VTI?
SWZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SWZ and VTI?
SWZ and VTI share 8 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2803 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SWZ or VTI?
SWZ yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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