VOT vs VTI
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth 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 | VOT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $19.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.62% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.96% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.44% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.15% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.39% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
VOT vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOT returned +8.44% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, VOT is up 8.96% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, VOT compounded at +16.15% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.39% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.59% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -60.3% for VOT 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOT charges 0.05% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $3 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOT currently yields 0.62% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VOT and VTI share 115 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOT or VTI?
VOT has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOT or VTI?
Over the past year VOT returned +8.44% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VOT annualized +9.59% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOT or VTI?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VOT -60.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VOT and VTI?
VOT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 VOT and VTI?
VOT and VTI share 115 common holdings with a 7.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOT or VTI?
VOT yields 0.62% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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