USSG vs VTI
Xtrackers MSCI USA Selection Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. USSG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USSG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $599M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 269 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.70% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.39% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.64% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.08% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 6, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
USSG vs VTI Performance
Xtrackers MSCI USA Selection Equity ETF (USSG) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USSG returned +24.39% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, USSG is up 13.70% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, USSG compounded at +22.64% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.08% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, USSG has the edge at +16.49% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -34.4% for USSG 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USSG charges 0.09% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USSG currently yields 1.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
USSG and VTI share 246 holdings out of 2805 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USSG or VTI?
USSG has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USSG or VTI?
Over the past year USSG returned +24.39% vs +22.35% for VTI, so USSG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), USSG annualized +16.49% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USSG or VTI?
USSG has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: USSG -34.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both USSG and VTI?
USSG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 USSG and VTI?
USSG and VTI share 246 common holdings with a 46.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2805 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USSG or VTI?
USSG yields 1.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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