URTH vs VTI
iShares MSCI World ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | URTH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,310 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.85% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.97% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.13% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.40% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
URTH vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year URTH returned +21.97% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, URTH is up 12.85% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, URTH compounded at +21.13% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.40% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, URTH has the edge at +10.84% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.0% for URTH. 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 -34.0% for URTH 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
URTH charges 0.24% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $3 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, URTH currently yields 1.40% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
URTH and VTI share 439 holdings out of 3401 unique holdings combined, representing a 68.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, URTH or VTI?
URTH has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, URTH or VTI?
Over the past year URTH returned +21.97% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), URTH annualized +10.84% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, URTH or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.0% for URTH. Worst drawdown: URTH -34.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both URTH and VTI?
URTH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between URTH and VTI?
URTH and VTI share 439 common holdings with a 68.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3401 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, URTH or VTI?
URTH yields 1.40% while VTI yields 1.07%, so URTH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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