URNJ vs VTI
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. URNJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | URNJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $366M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.63% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -8.00% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.71% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.80% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
URNJ vs VTI Performance
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (URNJ) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year URNJ returned +36.71% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, URNJ is down 8.00% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, URNJ compounded at +18.80% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, URNJ has the edge at +12.70% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URNJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.2% 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 -57.7% for URNJ 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
URNJ charges 0.80% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, URNJ currently yields 7.63% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
URNJ and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2824 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in URNJ | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UUUU | 10.18% | 0.00% | 10.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, URNJ or VTI?
URNJ has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, URNJ or VTI?
Over the past year URNJ returned +36.71% vs +22.35% for VTI, so URNJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), URNJ annualized +12.70% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, URNJ or VTI?
URNJ has been the more volatile fund at 47.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: URNJ -57.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both URNJ and VTI?
URNJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between URNJ and VTI?
URNJ and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2824 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, URNJ or VTI?
URNJ yields 7.63% while VTI yields 1.07%, so URNJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.