VEGA vs VTI
AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, VEGA or VTI?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEGA | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.25% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $93M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.24% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 13 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +7.30% | +12.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.89% | +17.22%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.31% | +20.87%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.48% | +11.86%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.8%Best | 14.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4%Best | -35.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,688 | $17,514Best |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 19, 2012 to Sep 11, 2026 (14 years).
VEGA vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 14 years both funds cover.
VEGA vs VTI Performance
AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) is an ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEGA returned +10.89% while VTI returned +17.22%. Year to date, VEGA is up 7.30% versus a gain of 12.57% for VTI.
Over three years, VEGA compounded at +13.31% per year against +20.87% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.48% and +11.86% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +12.84% annualized vs +6.07%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 9.8% for VEGA. 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 -28.4% for VEGA and -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEGA charges 1.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $125 vs $3 annually, a gap of $122 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEGA currently yields 1.24% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 10 holdings in VEGA and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 100.2% and 90.6% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 48 days apart, VEGA as of Aug 17, 2026 and VTI as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 10 positions we hold weights for in VEGA and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 13 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VEGA and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEGA or VTI?
VEGA has an expense ratio of 1.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $122 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VEGA or VTI?
Over the past year VEGA returned +10.89% vs +17.22% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VEGA annualized +6.07% vs +12.84% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VEGA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.8% for VEGA. Worst drawdown: VEGA -28.4% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both VEGA and VTI?
VEGA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEGA or VTI?
VEGA yields 1.24% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VEGA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than VEGA?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.