VTI vs VXF
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +16.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +20.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | +7.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VTI vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while VXF returned +24.93%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 16.66% for VXF.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +20.39% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are +12.01% and +7.03% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.04% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 0.94. 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 VXF charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 1.03% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and VXF share 2282 holdings out of 3799 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or VXF?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXF charges 0.05%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or VXF?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +24.93% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +9.04% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VTI and VXF?
VTI and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 VXF?
VTI and VXF share 2282 common holdings with a 5.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or VXF?
VTI yields 1.07% while VXF yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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