VTI vs VTSAX
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Class
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | VTSAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $480.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.05% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.12% | +12.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.82% | +19.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.43% | +19.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.84% | +10.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -26.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Nov 13, 2000 |
VTI vs VTSAX Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Class (VTSAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTI returned +20.82% while VTSAX returned +19.07%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.12% versus a gain of 12.08% for VTSAX.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.43% per year against +19.95% for VTSAX; over five years the annualized figures are +11.84% and +10.38% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTSAX has the edge at +10.38% annualized vs +8.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -56.6% for VTI and -26.3% for VTSAX. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while VTSAX charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 1.05% for VTSAX.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and VTSAX share 2153 holdings out of 3360 unique holdings combined, representing a 90.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or VTSAX?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTSAX charges 0.04%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or VTSAX?
Over the past year VTI returned +20.82% vs +19.07% for VTSAX, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTI annualized +8.08% vs +10.38% for VTSAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or VTSAX?
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs VTSAX -26.3%.
Should I hold both VTI and VTSAX?
VTI and VTSAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 VTI and VTSAX?
VTI and VTSAX share 2153 common holdings with a 90.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3360 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or VTSAX?
VTI yields 1.07% while VTSAX yields 1.05%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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