VFMV vs VTI
Vanguard US Minimum Volatility 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 | VFMV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $418M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 182 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.18% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.73% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.81% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.29% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 13, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
VFMV vs VTI Performance
Vanguard US Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VFMV returned +13.73% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, VFMV is up 12.18% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, VFMV compounded at +14.81% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.29% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VFMV has the edge at +9.95% annualized vs +8.14%. 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 13.2% for VFMV. 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 -33.6% for VFMV 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VFMV charges 0.13% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $3 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VFMV currently yields 1.49% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VFMV and VTI share 156 holdings out of 2806 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VFMV or VTI?
VFMV has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VFMV or VTI?
Over the past year VFMV returned +13.73% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VFMV annualized +9.95% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VFMV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.2% for VFMV. Worst drawdown: VFMV -33.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VFMV and VTI?
VFMV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VFMV and VTI?
VFMV and VTI share 156 common holdings with a 24.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VFMV or VTI?
VFMV yields 1.49% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VFMV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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