VTI vs XPH
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. XPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | XPH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $479M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.51% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 67 | |
| YTD Return | +13.87% | +26.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.31% | +60.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.23% | +8.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -52.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jun 19, 2006 |
VTI vs XPH Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VTI returned +23.31% while XPH returned +60.86%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.87% versus a gain of 26.59% for XPH.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.17% per year against +18.34% for XPH; over five years the annualized figures are +12.23% and +8.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +8.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XPH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -52.7% for XPH. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XPH 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 0.51% for XPH.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XPH share 42 holdings out of 2801 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XPH?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XPH 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 XPH?
Over the past year VTI returned +23.31% vs +60.86% for XPH, so XPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VTI annualized +8.13% vs +8.05% for XPH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XPH?
XPH has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XPH -52.7%.
Should I hold both VTI and XPH?
VTI and XPH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XPH?
VTI and XPH share 42 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XPH?
VTI yields 1.07% while XPH yields 0.51%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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