VRTL vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVRTLVTIWinner
Expense Ratio1.50%0.03%
AUM$52M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings23,543
YTD Return-+13.87%
1Y Return-41.38%+23.31%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)122.1%15.3%
Max Drawdown-63.8%-56.6%
Fund FamilyGraniteSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMar 25, 2025May 24, 2001

VRTL vs VTI Performance

GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VRTL returned -41.38% while VTI returned +23.31%.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VRTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 122.1% 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 -63.8% for VRTL 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VRTL charges 1.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $3 annually, a gap of $147 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VRTL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

VRTL and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2783 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VRTLWeight in VTIDifference
VRT66.65%0.18%66.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VRTL or VTI?

VRTL has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $147 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VRTL or VTI?

Over the past year VRTL returned -41.38% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VRTL annualized -41.32% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VRTL or VTI?

VRTL has been the more volatile fund at 122.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VRTL -63.8% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both VRTL and VTI?

VRTL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VRTL and VTI?

VRTL and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2783 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VRTL or VTI?

VRTL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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