VSS vs VTI
Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VSS offers more diversification with 4,828 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VSS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $11.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 4,828 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.71% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.40% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.40% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.67% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 2, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
VSS vs VTI Performance
Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VSS returned +19.40% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, VSS is up 10.71% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, VSS compounded at +17.40% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.67% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +7.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -46.8% for VSS 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VSS charges 0.06% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VSS currently yields 3.31% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VSS and VTI share 11 holdings out of 7429 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VSS or VTI?
VSS has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VSS or VTI?
Over the past year VSS returned +19.40% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VSS annualized +7.55% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VSS or VTI?
VSS has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VSS -46.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VSS and VTI?
VSS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VSS and VTI?
VSS and VTI share 11 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7429 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VSS or VTI?
VSS yields 3.31% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VSS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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