TLTE vs VTI
FlexShares Morningstar Emerging Markets Factor Tilt Index Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. TLTE delivered stronger 1-year returns. TLTE offers more diversification with 2960 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TLTE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $341M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.24% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3,106 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.39% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.84% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.76% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.89% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
TLTE vs VTI Performance
FlexShares Morningstar Emerging Markets Factor Tilt Index Fund (TLTE) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TLTE returned +30.84% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, TLTE is up 16.39% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, TLTE compounded at +19.76% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.89% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +4.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TLTE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -47.6% for TLTE 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TLTE 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, TLTE currently yields 3.24% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TLTE and VTI share 6 holdings out of 5737 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TLTE or VTI?
TLTE 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, TLTE or VTI?
Over the past year TLTE returned +30.84% vs +23.31% for VTI, so TLTE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), TLTE annualized +4.39% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TLTE or VTI?
TLTE has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TLTE -47.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TLTE and VTI?
TLTE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TLTE and VTI?
TLTE and VTI share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5737 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TLTE or VTI?
TLTE yields 3.24% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TLTE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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