VTI vs WAR
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs US Global Technology And Aerospace & Defense ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. WAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | WAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $40M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 10.22% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 30 | |
| YTD Return | +13.38% | +39.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.12% | +58.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.85% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.44% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 32.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -25.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 30, 2024 |
VTI vs WAR Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and US Global Technology And Aerospace & Defense ETF (WAR) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc.. Over the past year VTI returned +21.12% while WAR returned +58.22%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.38% versus a gain of 39.39% for WAR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.3% 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 -25.0% for WAR. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while WAR charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $60 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 10.22% for WAR.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and WAR share 18 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or WAR?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WAR charges 0.60%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or WAR?
Over the past year VTI returned +21.12% vs +58.22% for WAR, so WAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VTI annualized +8.10% vs +46.04% for WAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or WAR?
WAR has been the more volatile fund at 32.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs WAR -25.0%.
Should I hold both VTI and WAR?
VTI and WAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and WAR?
VTI and WAR share 18 common holdings with a 8.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or WAR?
VTI yields 1.07% while WAR yields 10.22%, so WAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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