VLUE vs VTI
iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VLUE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VLUE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $9.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.45% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 156 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +45.96% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +76.18% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.94% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.19% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
VLUE vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VLUE returned +76.18% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, VLUE is up 45.96% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, VLUE compounded at +32.94% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +17.19% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VLUE has the edge at +12.32% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VLUE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% 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 -39.5% for VLUE 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VLUE charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VLUE currently yields 1.45% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VLUE and VTI share 140 holdings out of 2799 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VLUE or VTI?
VLUE has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VLUE or VTI?
Over the past year VLUE returned +76.18% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VLUE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), VLUE annualized +12.32% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VLUE or VTI?
VLUE has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VLUE -39.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VLUE and VTI?
VLUE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VLUE and VTI?
VLUE and VTI share 140 common holdings with a 11.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VLUE or VTI?
VLUE yields 1.45% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VLUE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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