VT vs VTI
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 10,133 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $78.6B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.60% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 10,133 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.81% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.75% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.09% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
VT vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VT returned +23.75% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, VT is up 13.81% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, VT compounded at +21.40% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.09% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +7.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -50.6% for VT 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VT 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, VT currently yields 1.60% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VT and VTI share 1217 holdings out of 10498 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VT or VTI?
VT 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, VT or VTI?
Over the past year VT returned +23.75% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VT annualized +7.33% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VT or VTI?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VT -50.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VT and VTI?
VT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VT and VTI?
VT and VTI share 1217 common holdings with a 54.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 10498 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VT or VTI?
VT yields 1.60% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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