VTI vs WDTE
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs Defiance S&P 500 Weekly Distribution ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | WDTE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.03% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $66M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 51.34% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.96% | +12.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.39% | +18.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.51% | +14.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 10.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -15.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Sep 18, 2023 |
VTI vs WDTE Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Defiance S&P 500 Weekly Distribution ETF (WDTE) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% while WDTE returned +18.23%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.96% versus a gain of 12.56% for WDTE.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.51% per year against +14.69% for WDTE. Across the full 3-year window we track, WDTE has the edge at +14.69% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 10.4% for WDTE. 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 -15.8% for WDTE. 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 WDTE charges 1.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $103 annually, a gap of $100 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 51.34% for WDTE.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and WDTE share 0 holdings out of 2784 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or WDTE?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WDTE charges 1.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $100 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or WDTE?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% vs +18.23% for WDTE, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +14.69% for WDTE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or WDTE?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 10.4% for WDTE. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs WDTE -15.8%.
Should I hold both VTI and WDTE?
VTI and WDTE 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 WDTE?
VTI and WDTE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or WDTE?
VTI yields 1.07% while WDTE yields 51.34%, so WDTE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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