VTI vs WUGI
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs AXS Esoterica NextG Economy 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 | WUGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.25% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +12.65% | +15.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.39% | +1.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.54% | +23.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.11% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 28.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -56.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | AXS Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Mar 31, 2020 |
VTI vs WUGI Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and AXS Esoterica NextG Economy ETF (WUGI) is a ETF from AXS Investments. Over the past year VTI returned +21.39% while WUGI returned +1.07%. Year to date, VTI is up 12.65% versus a gain of 15.64% for WUGI.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.54% per year against +23.90% for WUGI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.11% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, WUGI has the edge at +21.12% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WUGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.9% 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 -56.4% for WUGI. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while WUGI charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $79 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.25% for WUGI.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and WUGI share 24 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or WUGI?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WUGI charges 0.79%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or WUGI?
Over the past year VTI returned +21.39% vs +1.07% for WUGI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VTI annualized +8.07% vs +21.12% for WUGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or WUGI?
WUGI has been the more volatile fund at 28.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs WUGI -56.4%.
Should I hold both VTI and WUGI?
VTI and WUGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and WUGI?
VTI and WUGI share 24 common holdings with a 22.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or WUGI?
VTI yields 1.07% while WUGI yields 0.25%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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