VTI vs WTAI
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. WTAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | WTAI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $587M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.12% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 75 | |
| YTD Return | +14.22% | +44.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.19% | +64.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.27% | +32.99% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.23% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 33.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -45.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 7, 2021 |
VTI vs WTAI Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund ETF (WTAI) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VTI returned +22.19% while WTAI returned +64.85%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.22% versus a gain of 44.34% for WTAI.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.27% per year against +32.99% for WTAI. Across the full 5-year window we track, WTAI has the edge at +12.46% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WTAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.5% 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 -45.9% for WTAI. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while WTAI charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $45 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 1.12% for WTAI.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and WTAI share 48 holdings out of 2801 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or WTAI?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WTAI charges 0.45%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or WTAI?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.19% vs +64.85% for WTAI, so WTAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTI annualized +8.14% vs +12.46% for WTAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or WTAI?
WTAI has been the more volatile fund at 33.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs WTAI -45.9%.
Should I hold both VTI and WTAI?
VTI and WTAI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and WTAI?
VTI and WTAI share 48 common holdings with a 26.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or WTAI?
VTI yields 1.07% while WTAI yields 1.12%, so WTAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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