VDC vs VTI
Vanguard Consumer Staples 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 | VDC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.33% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 107 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.43% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.65% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.91% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.89% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
VDC vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VDC returned +5.65% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, VDC is up 10.43% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, VDC compounded at +7.91% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.89% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.8% for VDC. 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 -36.6% for VDC 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VDC 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, VDC currently yields 2.33% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VDC and VTI share 85 holdings out of 2803 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VDC or VTI?
VDC 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, VDC or VTI?
Over the past year VDC returned +5.65% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VDC annualized +7.58% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VDC or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.8% for VDC. Worst drawdown: VDC -36.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VDC and VTI?
VDC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VDC and VTI?
VDC and VTI share 85 common holdings with a 4.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2803 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VDC or VTI?
VDC yields 2.33% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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