VTI vs WCMI
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs First Trust WCM International Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. WCMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | WCMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $1.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.55% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +14.82% | +16.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.43% | +28.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.93% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.34% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 13.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -12.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Mar 31, 2020 |
VTI vs WCMI Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and First Trust WCM International Equity ETF (WCMI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% while WCMI returned +28.51%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.82% versus a gain of 16.33% for WCMI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 13.8% for WCMI. 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 -12.8% for WCMI. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while WCMI charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.55% for WCMI.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and WCMI share 3 holdings out of 2828 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or WCMI?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WCMI charges 0.85%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or WCMI?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% vs +28.51% for WCMI, so WCMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +22.92% for WCMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or WCMI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 13.8% for WCMI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs WCMI -12.8%.
Should I hold both VTI and WCMI?
VTI and WCMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and WCMI?
VTI and WCMI share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2828 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or WCMI?
VTI yields 1.07% while WCMI yields 0.55%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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