VTI vs WSML
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. WSML delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | WSML | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $654M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 2.76% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 3,540 | |
| YTD Return | +14.16% | +16.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.62% | +29.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.43% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.33% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -10.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Apr 1, 2025 |
VTI vs WSML Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VTI returned +23.62% while WSML returned +29.36%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.16% versus a gain of 16.94% for WSML.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.0% for WSML. 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 -10.7% for WSML. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while WSML charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $30 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 2.76% for WSML.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and WSML share 620 holdings out of 3718 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or WSML?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WSML charges 0.30%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or WSML?
Over the past year VTI returned +23.62% vs +29.36% for WSML, so WSML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VTI annualized +8.14% vs +36.88% for WSML. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or WSML?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.0% for WSML. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs WSML -10.7%.
Should I hold both VTI and WSML?
VTI and WSML have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and WSML?
VTI and WSML share 620 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3718 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or WSML?
VTI yields 1.07% while WSML yields 2.76%, so WSML currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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