VSLU vs VTI
Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, VSLU or VTI?
Nearly the same fund. VTI costs less.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VSLU led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VTI over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97.
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
| Metric | VSLU | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $562M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 591 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +10.72% | +12.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.70% | +17.22%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.18%Best | +20.87% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30%Best | +11.86% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7%Best | 15.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9%Best | -25.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,670Best | $17,514 |
| Fund Family | Applied Finance Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 30, 2021 to Sep 11, 2026 (5.4 years).
VSLU vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.4 years both funds cover.
VSLU vs VTI Performance
Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF (VSLU) is an ETF from Applied Finance Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VSLU returned +14.70% while VTI returned +17.22%. Year to date, VSLU is up 10.72% versus a gain of 12.57% for VTI.
Over three years, VSLU compounded at +21.18% per year against +20.87% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and +11.86% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 14.7% for VSLU. 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 -23.9% for VSLU and -25.4% 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VSLU charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VSLU currently yields 0.42% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
At least 97.0% of VSLU's money is in holdings VTI also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VTI, our book for it covers 90.6% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of VSLU is already inside VTI. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
The two holdings books were reported 48 days apart, VSLU as of Aug 17, 2026 and VTI as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
382 positions in common, counted across the 457 positions we hold weights for in VSLU and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 591 and 3,543.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VSLU | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDANvidia Corp. | 10.99% | 6.32% | 4.67% |
| AAPLApple, Inc | 9.46% | 5.84% | 3.62% |
| MSFTMicrosoft Corp 4.100 Feb 06 37 | 7.58% | 3.81% | 3.77% |
| GOOGLAlphabet A Usd 0.001 | 6.90% | 2.88% | 4.02% |
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 2.85% | 2.46% | 0.39% |
| LLYEli Lilly & Co. | 3.50% | 1.40% | 2.10% |
| VVisa Inc | 2.99% | 0.77% | 2.22% |
| METAMeta Platforms, Inc. | 3.74% | 0.00% | 3.74% |
| MAMastercard Inc | 2.26% | 0.56% | 1.70% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson | 1.25% | 0.84% | 0.41% |
97.0% of VSLU is already inside VTI.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VSLU or VTI?
VSLU has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $46 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VSLU or VTI?
Over the past year VSLU returned +14.70% vs +17.22% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VSLU or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.7% for VSLU. Worst drawdown: VSLU -23.9% vs VTI -25.4%.
Should I hold both VSLU and VTI?
VSLU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VSLU and VTI?
At least 97.0% of VSLU's money is in holdings VTI also owns. Our book for VTI is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 382 positions in common, counted across the 457 positions we hold weights for in VSLU and 2,787 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, VSLU or VTI?
VSLU yields 0.42% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than VSLU?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VSLU led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VTI over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.