TUGN vs VTI
STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. TUGN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TUGN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $85M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.55% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.74% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.33% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.58% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Gateway Credit Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 18, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
TUGN vs VTI Performance
STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF (TUGN) is a ETF from Gateway Credit Partners and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TUGN returned +23.33% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, TUGN is up 15.74% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, TUGN compounded at +20.58% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, TUGN has the edge at +14.64% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TUGN 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 -23.4% for TUGN 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TUGN 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, TUGN currently yields 11.55% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TUGN and VTI share 89 holdings out of 2796 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TUGN or VTI?
TUGN 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, TUGN or VTI?
Over the past year TUGN returned +23.33% vs +22.35% for VTI, so TUGN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), TUGN annualized +14.64% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TUGN or VTI?
TUGN has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TUGN -23.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TUGN and VTI?
TUGN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TUGN and VTI?
TUGN and VTI share 89 common holdings with a 46.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TUGN or VTI?
TUGN yields 11.55% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TUGN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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