TPLC vs VTI
Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core 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 | TPLC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $318M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 271 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.40% | +13.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.23% | +20.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.83% | +21.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.92% | +11.90% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Timothy Plan | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 5, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
TPLC vs VTI Performance
Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF (TPLC) is a ETF from Timothy Plan and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TPLC returned +12.23% while VTI returned +20.74%. Year to date, TPLC is up 12.40% versus a gain of 13.86% for VTI.
Over three years, TPLC compounded at +13.83% per year against +21.66% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.92% and +11.90% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, TPLC has the edge at +11.10% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TPLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -38.1% for TPLC 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TPLC charges 0.52% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $3 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TPLC currently yields 0.83% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TPLC and VTI share 236 holdings out of 2819 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TPLC or VTI?
TPLC has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TPLC or VTI?
Over the past year TPLC returned +12.23% vs +20.74% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), TPLC annualized +11.10% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TPLC or VTI?
TPLC has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TPLC -38.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TPLC and VTI?
TPLC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 TPLC and VTI?
TPLC and VTI share 236 common holdings with a 16.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2819 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TPLC or VTI?
TPLC yields 0.83% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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