TLTD vs VTI
FlexShares Morningstar Developed Markets ex-US Factor Tilt Index Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. TLTD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TLTD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $691M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.29% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,408 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.95% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.64% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.26% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
TLTD vs VTI Performance
FlexShares Morningstar Developed Markets ex-US Factor Tilt Index Fund (TLTD) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TLTD returned +23.64% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, TLTD is up 12.95% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, TLTD compounded at +22.19% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.26% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +6.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.1% for TLTD. 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 -44.6% for TLTD 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TLTD charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TLTD currently yields 3.29% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TLTD and VTI share 10 holdings out of 5096 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TLTD or VTI?
TLTD has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TLTD or VTI?
Over the past year TLTD returned +23.64% vs +21.39% for VTI, so TLTD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), TLTD annualized +6.94% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TLTD or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for TLTD. Worst drawdown: TLTD -44.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TLTD and VTI?
TLTD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TLTD and VTI?
TLTD and VTI share 10 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5096 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TLTD or VTI?
TLTD yields 3.29% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TLTD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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