VTI vs XRT
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | XRT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $524M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.77% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | +13.87% | +4.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.31% | +11.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | +11.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.23% | -0.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 24.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -66.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jun 19, 2006 |
VTI vs XRT Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VTI returned +23.31% while XRT returned +11.50%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.87% versus a gain of 4.85% for XRT.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.17% per year against +11.79% for XRT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.23% and -0.27% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, XRT has the edge at +8.53% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XRT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -66.2% for XRT. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XRT 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 0.77% for XRT.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XRT share 7 holdings out of 2785 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XRT?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XRT 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 XRT?
Over the past year VTI returned +23.31% vs +11.50% for XRT, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VTI annualized +8.13% vs +8.53% for XRT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XRT?
XRT has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XRT -66.2%.
Should I hold both VTI and XRT?
VTI and XRT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XRT?
VTI and XRT share 7 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XRT?
VTI yields 1.07% while XRT yields 0.77%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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