VTI vs XLSR
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street US Sector Rotation 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 | XLSR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.70% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $1.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.46% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 21 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +6.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +17.55% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +16.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -32.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Apr 2, 2019 |
VTI vs XLSR Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street US Sector Rotation ETF (XLSR) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while XLSR returned +17.55%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 6.23% for XLSR.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +16.74% for XLSR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.01% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, XLSR has the edge at +12.36% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLSR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -32.9% for XLSR. 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XLSR charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $70 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.46% for XLSR.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XLSR share 24 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XLSR?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLSR charges 0.70%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or XLSR?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +17.55% for XLSR, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +12.36% for XLSR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XLSR?
XLSR has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XLSR -32.9%.
Should I hold both VTI and XLSR?
VTI and XLSR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XLSR?
VTI and XLSR share 24 common holdings with a 22.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XLSR?
VTI yields 1.07% while XLSR yields 0.46%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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