THRO vs VTI
iShares US Thematic Rotation Active ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | THRO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.25% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 245 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.67% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.54% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.91% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
THRO vs VTI Performance
iShares US Thematic Rotation Active ETF (THRO) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year THRO returned +20.54% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, THRO is up 14.67% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, THRO compounded at +22.91% per year against +21.27% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, THRO has the edge at +13.76% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
THRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -26.5% for THRO 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
THRO charges 0.57% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $3 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, THRO currently yields 0.25% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
THRO and VTI share 214 holdings out of 2810 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, THRO or VTI?
THRO has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, THRO or VTI?
Over the past year THRO returned +20.54% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), THRO annualized +13.76% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, THRO or VTI?
THRO has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: THRO -26.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both THRO and VTI?
THRO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between THRO and VTI?
THRO and VTI share 214 common holdings with a 53.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2810 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, THRO or VTI?
THRO yields 0.25% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.