USRD vs VTI
Themes US R&D Champions 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 | USRD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.85% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.19% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
USRD vs VTI Performance
Themes US R&D Champions ETF (USRD) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USRD returned +11.19% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, USRD is up 11.85% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USRD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -22.7% for USRD 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USRD charges 0.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USRD currently yields 0.37% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
USRD and VTI share 47 holdings out of 2787 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USRD or VTI?
USRD has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USRD or VTI?
Over the past year USRD returned +11.19% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), USRD annualized +17.96% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USRD or VTI?
USRD has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: USRD -22.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both USRD and VTI?
USRD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USRD and VTI?
USRD and VTI share 47 common holdings with a 22.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USRD or VTI?
USRD yields 0.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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