TAIL vs VTI
Cambria Tail Risk ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, TAIL or VTI?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.70, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
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 | TAIL | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $154M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.04% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 11 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | -13.12% | +14.00%Best |
| 1Y Return | -14.65% | +16.88%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -6.32% | +22.75%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -10.07% | +12.68%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.1%Best | 16.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -55.2% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $5,882 | $18,165Best |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 5, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 6, 2017 to Sep 21, 2026 (9.5 years).
TAIL 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 covers the 9.5 years both funds cover.
TAIL vs VTI Performance
Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL) is an ETF from Cambria Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TAIL returned -14.65% while VTI returned +16.88%. Year to date, TAIL is down 13.12% versus a gain of 14.00% for VTI.
Over three years, TAIL compounded at -6.32% per year against +22.75% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -10.07% and +12.68% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.81% annualized vs -7.74%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% compared with 11.1% for TAIL. 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 -55.2% for TAIL and -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.70. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TAIL charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TAIL currently yields 3.04% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2 holdings in TAIL and 3,463 in VTI, totalling 93.4% and 98.1% 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 2 positions we hold weights for in TAIL and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 11 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of TAIL 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, TAIL or VTI?
TAIL has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $56 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, TAIL or VTI?
Over the past year TAIL returned -14.65% vs +16.88% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), TAIL annualized -7.74% vs +13.81% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, TAIL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 11.1% for TAIL. Worst drawdown: TAIL -55.2% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both TAIL and VTI?
TAIL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.70, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, TAIL or VTI?
TAIL yields 3.04% while VTI yields 1.03%, so TAIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than TAIL?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.70, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.