USAF vs VTI
Atlas America Fund 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 | USAF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $18M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.45% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.83% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.38% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Atlas Capital Team | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
USAF vs VTI Performance
Atlas America Fund ETF (USAF) is a ETF from Atlas Capital Team and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USAF returned +9.38% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, USAF is up 4.83% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.4% for USAF. 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 -4.5% for USAF 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USAF charges 0.89% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USAF currently yields 2.45% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
USAF and VTI share 33 holdings out of 2812 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USAF or VTI?
USAF has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USAF or VTI?
Over the past year USAF returned +9.38% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), USAF annualized +8.32% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USAF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.4% for USAF. Worst drawdown: USAF -4.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both USAF and VTI?
USAF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USAF and VTI?
USAF and VTI share 33 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2812 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USAF or VTI?
USAF yields 2.45% while VTI yields 1.07%, so USAF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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