TPZ vs VTI
Tortoise Essential Energy Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. TPZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TPZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $121M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.09% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +58.31% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.77% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Tortoise Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
TPZ vs VTI Performance
Tortoise Essential Energy Fund (TPZ) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TPZ returned +58.31% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, TPZ is up 3.09% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, TPZ compounded at +23.77% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, TPZ has the edge at +8.26% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TPZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.4% 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 -87.9% for TPZ 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TPZ charges 0.85% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TPZ currently yields 3.15% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TPZ and VTI share 21 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TPZ or VTI?
TPZ has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TPZ or VTI?
Over the past year TPZ returned +58.31% vs +22.17% for VTI, so TPZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TPZ annualized +8.26% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TPZ or VTI?
TPZ has been the more volatile fund at 24.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TPZ -87.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TPZ and VTI?
TPZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TPZ and VTI?
TPZ and VTI share 21 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TPZ or VTI?
TPZ yields 3.15% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TPZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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