VTI vs WLDR
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. WLDR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | WLDR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.67% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $96M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.30% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 116 | |
| YTD Return | +14.82% | +35.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.43% | +53.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.93% | +33.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.34% | +19.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 18.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -47.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jan 16, 2018 |
VTI vs WLDR Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF (WLDR) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% while WLDR returned +53.07%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.82% versus a gain of 35.17% for WLDR.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.93% per year against +33.13% for WLDR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.34% and +19.00% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, WLDR has the edge at +11.95% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WLDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% compared with 15.4% 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 -47.1% for WLDR. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while WLDR charges 0.67%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $67 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 1.30% for WLDR.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and WLDR share 56 holdings out of 2843 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or WLDR?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WLDR charges 0.67%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or WLDR?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% vs +53.07% for WLDR, so WLDR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +11.95% for WLDR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or WLDR?
WLDR has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs WLDR -47.1%.
Should I hold both VTI and WLDR?
VTI and WLDR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and WLDR?
VTI and WLDR share 56 common holdings with a 7.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2843 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or WLDR?
VTI yields 1.07% while WLDR yields 1.30%, so WLDR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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