VTI vs WISE
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence 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 | WISE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $26M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 4.16% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 48 | |
| YTD Return | +14.20% | -4.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.16% | +4.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.12% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 31.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -39.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Themes ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 8, 2023 |
VTI vs WISE Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) is a ETF from Themes ETFs. Over the past year VTI returned +24.16% while WISE returned +4.34%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.20% versus a loss of 4.52% for WISE.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WISE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.7% 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 -39.1% for WISE. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while WISE charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $35 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 4.16% for WISE.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and WISE share 26 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or WISE?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WISE charges 0.35%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or WISE?
Over the past year VTI returned +24.16% vs +4.34% for WISE, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VTI annualized +8.14% vs +18.29% for WISE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or WISE?
WISE has been the more volatile fund at 31.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs WISE -39.1%.
Should I hold both VTI and WISE?
VTI and WISE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and WISE?
VTI and WISE share 26 common holdings with a 15.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or WISE?
VTI yields 1.07% while WISE yields 4.16%, so WISE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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