VTI vs XAR
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. XAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | XAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $6.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.28% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 49 | |
| YTD Return | +14.96% | +16.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.39% | +33.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.51% | +34.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.36% | +19.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 20.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -46.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Sep 28, 2011 |
VTI vs XAR Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% while XAR returned +33.85%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.96% versus a gain of 16.73% for XAR.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.51% per year against +34.38% for XAR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.36% and +19.45% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, XAR has the edge at +18.14% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -46.7% for XAR. 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 XAR 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 0.28% for XAR.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XAR share 43 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XAR?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XAR 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 XAR?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% vs +33.85% for XAR, so XAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +18.14% for XAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XAR?
XAR has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XAR -46.7%.
Should I hold both VTI and XAR?
VTI and XAR 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 XAR?
VTI and XAR share 43 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XAR?
VTI yields 1.07% while XAR yields 0.28%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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