TOK vs VTI
iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TOK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $259M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.31% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,136 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.05% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.53% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.14% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.80% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 10, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
TOK vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF (TOK) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TOK returned +20.53% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, TOK is up 12.05% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, TOK compounded at +21.14% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.80% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +6.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TOK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -56.6% for TOK 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TOK charges 0.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TOK currently yields 1.31% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TOK and VTI share 431 holdings out of 3248 unique holdings combined, representing a 72.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TOK or VTI?
TOK has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TOK or VTI?
Over the past year TOK returned +20.53% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), TOK annualized +6.88% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TOK or VTI?
TOK has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TOK -56.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TOK and VTI?
TOK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 TOK and VTI?
TOK and VTI share 431 common holdings with a 72.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3248 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TOK or VTI?
TOK yields 1.31% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TOK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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