TUG vs VTI
STF Tactical Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. TUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TUG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.83% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.90% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.36% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Gateway Credit Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 18, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
TUG vs VTI Performance
STF Tactical Growth ETF (TUG) is a ETF from Gateway Credit Partners and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TUG returned +26.90% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, TUG is up 19.83% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, TUG compounded at +22.36% per year against +21.51% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, TUG has the edge at +18.79% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.4% 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 -22.3% for TUG 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TUG charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TUG currently yields 1.91% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TUG and VTI share 90 holdings out of 2794 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TUG or VTI?
TUG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TUG or VTI?
Over the past year TUG returned +26.90% vs +22.39% for VTI, so TUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), TUG annualized +18.79% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TUG or VTI?
TUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TUG -22.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TUG and VTI?
TUG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TUG and VTI?
TUG and VTI share 90 common holdings with a 46.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2794 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TUG or VTI?
TUG yields 1.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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