TCAI vs VTI
Tortoise AI Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. TCAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TCAI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $245M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.03% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +49.26% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +86.88% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 46.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Tortoise Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 4, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
TCAI vs VTI Performance
Tortoise AI Infrastructure ETF (TCAI) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TCAI returned +86.88% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, TCAI is up 49.26% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TCAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.5% 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 -28.8% for TCAI 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TCAI charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TCAI currently yields 0.03% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TCAI and VTI share 37 holdings out of 2800 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TCAI or VTI?
TCAI has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TCAI or VTI?
Over the past year TCAI returned +86.88% vs +22.35% for VTI, so TCAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), TCAI annualized +79.32% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TCAI or VTI?
TCAI has been the more volatile fund at 46.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TCAI -28.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TCAI and VTI?
TCAI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TCAI and VTI?
TCAI and VTI share 37 common holdings with a 7.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2800 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TCAI or VTI?
TCAI yields 0.03% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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