VPL vs VTI
Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VPL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VPL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.64% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,361 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +23.53% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.50% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.93% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.82% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 4, 2005 | May 24, 2001 |
VPL vs VTI Performance
Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF (VPL) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VPL returned +37.50% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, VPL is up 23.53% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, VPL compounded at +21.93% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.82% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +6.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VPL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -55.5% for VPL 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VPL charges 0.07% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VPL currently yields 2.64% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VPL and VTI share 8 holdings out of 5067 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VPL or VTI?
VPL has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VPL or VTI?
Over the past year VPL returned +37.50% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VPL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), VPL annualized +6.76% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VPL or VTI?
VPL has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VPL -55.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VPL and VTI?
VPL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VPL and VTI?
VPL and VTI share 8 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5067 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VPL or VTI?
VPL yields 2.64% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VPL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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