VRTL vs VTI

VRTL vs VTI

Which is better, VRTL or VTI?

Trading-Leveraged Equity against Large Cap Blend.

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VRTL led over 1Y, VTI over the full window.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: split

MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVRTLVTI
Expense Ratio1.50%0.03%Best
AUM$44M$666.9B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.03%
Holdings23,543
Volatility (annualized)122.1%22.8%Best
Max Drawdown-63.8%-48.2%Best
$10,000 over 1 years$5,868$6,424Best
Fund FamilyGraniteSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
StyleTrading-Leveraged EquityLarge Cap Blend
InceptionMar 25, 2025May 24, 2001

Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.

The two price series end 6468 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. VRTL has data through Jan 2, 2009 and VTI through Sep 18, 2026.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 2, 2008 to Jan 2, 2009 (1 years).

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VRTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 122.1% compared with 22.8% 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 -48.2% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.30. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.

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 1.03% for VTI.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of VRTL and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

VRTLVTI

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

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, by $147 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, VRTL or VTI?

VRTL has been the more volatile fund at 122.1% annualized versus 22.8% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VRTL -63.8% vs VTI -48.2%.

Should I hold both VRTL and VTI?

VRTL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which pays a higher dividend, VRTL or VTI?

VRTL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is VTI better than VRTL?

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VRTL led over 1Y, VTI over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.