UPAR vs VTI
UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UPAR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $59M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.46% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 140 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.92% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.61% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.91% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Rpar ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
UPAR vs VTI Performance
UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF (UPAR) is a ETF from Rpar ETF and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPAR returned +17.61% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, UPAR is up 5.92% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, UPAR compounded at +10.91% per year against +21.27% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -1.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -39.0% for UPAR 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UPAR charges 0.68% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $3 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UPAR currently yields 3.46% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
UPAR and VTI share 34 holdings out of 2878 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UPAR or VTI?
UPAR has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UPAR or VTI?
Over the past year UPAR returned +17.61% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), UPAR annualized -1.06% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPAR or VTI?
UPAR has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: UPAR -39.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both UPAR and VTI?
UPAR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UPAR and VTI?
UPAR and VTI share 34 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2878 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPAR or VTI?
UPAR yields 3.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so UPAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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