VTI vs VTWG
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTWG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | VTWG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.61% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 1,125 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +18.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +31.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +19.21% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | +6.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -42.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VTI vs VTWG Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while VTWG returned +31.27%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 18.69% for VTWG.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +19.21% for VTWG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.01% and +6.33% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTWG has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTWG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -42.1% for VTWG. 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 0.90. 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 VTWG charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.61% for VTWG.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and VTWG share 813 holdings out of 3098 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or VTWG?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTWG charges 0.06%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or VTWG?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +31.27% for VTWG, so VTWG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +11.47% for VTWG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or VTWG?
VTWG has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs VTWG -42.1%.
Should I hold both VTI and VTWG?
VTI and VTWG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 VTWG?
VTI and VTWG share 813 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3098 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or VTWG?
VTI yields 1.07% while VTWG yields 0.61%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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