UTES vs VTI
Virtus Reaves Utilities 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 | UTES | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -3.99% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.48% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.86% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.89% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
UTES vs VTI Performance
Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UTES returned -3.48% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, UTES is down 3.99% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, UTES compounded at +21.86% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.89% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, UTES has the edge at +11.89% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UTES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -35.7% for UTES 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UTES charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UTES currently yields 1.46% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
UTES and VTI share 16 holdings out of 2785 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UTES or VTI?
UTES has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UTES or VTI?
Over the past year UTES returned -3.48% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), UTES annualized +11.89% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UTES or VTI?
UTES has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: UTES -35.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both UTES and VTI?
UTES and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UTES and VTI?
UTES and VTI share 16 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UTES or VTI?
UTES yields 1.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so UTES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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