VTHR vs VTI
Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTHR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.7B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,929 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.67% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.01% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.74% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.36% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
VTHR vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTHR returned +22.01% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, VTHR is up 14.67% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, VTHR compounded at +21.74% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.36% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTHR has the edge at +13.22% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.6% for VTHR. 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 -34.6% for VTHR 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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTHR 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, VTHR currently yields 1.04% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VTHR and VTI share 2273 holdings out of 3477 unique holdings combined, representing a 88.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTHR or VTI?
VTHR 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, VTHR or VTI?
Over the past year VTHR returned +22.01% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VTHR annualized +13.22% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTHR or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VTHR. Worst drawdown: VTHR -34.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VTHR and VTI?
VTHR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, 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 VTHR and VTI?
VTHR and VTI share 2273 common holdings with a 88.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3477 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTHR or VTI?
VTHR yields 1.04% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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