VTI vs VUSE
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs Vident US Equity Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | VUSE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $667M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.45% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 128 | |
| YTD Return | +13.87% | +11.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.31% | +16.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | +15.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.23% | +11.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -45.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vident Financial | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jan 22, 2014 |
VTI vs VUSE Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vident US Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) is a ETF from Vident Financial. Over the past year VTI returned +23.31% while VUSE returned +16.32%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.87% versus a gain of 11.45% for VUSE.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.17% per year against +15.98% for VUSE; over five years the annualized figures are +12.23% and +11.58% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VUSE has the edge at +9.40% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VUSE 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 -56.6% for VTI and -45.5% for VUSE. 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 0.93. 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 VUSE charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.45% for VUSE.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and VUSE share 107 holdings out of 2803 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or VUSE?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VUSE charges 0.50%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or VUSE?
Over the past year VTI returned +23.31% vs +16.32% for VUSE, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), VTI annualized +8.13% vs +9.40% for VUSE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or VUSE?
VUSE has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs VUSE -45.5%.
Should I hold both VTI and VUSE?
VTI and VUSE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 VUSE?
VTI and VUSE share 107 common holdings with a 34.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2803 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or VUSE?
VTI yields 1.07% while VUSE yields 0.45%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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