VTI vs XMAR
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March
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 | XMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $154M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +12.65% | +8.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.39% | +11.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.54% | +11.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.11% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 3.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -7.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Mar 17, 2023 |
VTI vs XMAR Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March (XMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VTI returned +21.39% while XMAR returned +11.61%. Year to date, VTI is up 12.65% versus a gain of 8.25% for XMAR.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.54% per year against +11.12% for XMAR. Across the full 3-year window we track, XMAR has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.3% for XMAR. 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 -7.3% for XMAR. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XMAR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.00% for XMAR.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XMAR share 0 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XMAR?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XMAR charges 0.85%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or XMAR?
Over the past year VTI returned +21.39% vs +11.61% for XMAR, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VTI annualized +8.07% vs +11.51% for XMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XMAR?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.3% for XMAR. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XMAR -7.3%.
Should I hold both VTI and XMAR?
VTI and XMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XMAR?
VTI and XMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XMAR?
VTI yields 1.07% while XMAR yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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