URNM vs VTI
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. URNM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | URNM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.58% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -3.74% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.39% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.80% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.96% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 46.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 3, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
URNM vs VTI Performance
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (URNM) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year URNM returned +33.39% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, URNM is down 3.74% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, URNM compounded at +19.80% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +19.96% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, URNM has the edge at +29.08% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URNM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.3% 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 -50.8% for URNM 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
URNM charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, URNM currently yields 3.58% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
URNM and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2811 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 URNM | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UUUU | 4.45% | 0.00% | 4.45% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, URNM or VTI?
URNM has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, URNM or VTI?
Over the past year URNM returned +33.39% vs +22.35% for VTI, so URNM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), URNM annualized +29.08% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, URNM or VTI?
URNM has been the more volatile fund at 46.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: URNM -50.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both URNM and VTI?
URNM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between URNM and VTI?
URNM and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2811 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, URNM or VTI?
URNM yields 3.58% while VTI yields 1.07%, so URNM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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