VCR vs VTI
Vanguard Consumer Discretionary 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 | VCR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.6B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 356 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.10% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.06% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.62% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
VCR vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCR returned +5.06% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, VCR is up 2.10% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, VCR compounded at +12.96% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.62% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VCR has the edge at +10.02% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VCR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% compared with 15.4% 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 -62.7% for VCR 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCR 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, VCR currently yields 0.75% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VCR and VTI share 217 holdings out of 2848 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCR or VTI?
VCR 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, VCR or VTI?
Over the past year VCR returned +5.06% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VCR annualized +10.02% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCR or VTI?
VCR has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VCR -62.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VCR and VTI?
VCR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 VCR and VTI?
VCR and VTI share 217 common holdings with a 8.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2848 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCR or VTI?
VCR yields 0.75% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.