VTI vs XSD
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. XSD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | XSD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $2.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.16% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 49 | |
| YTD Return | +12.65% | +48.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.39% | +81.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.54% | +34.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.11% | +21.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 29.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -64.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jan 31, 2006 |
VTI vs XSD Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VTI returned +21.39% while XSD returned +81.74%. Year to date, VTI is up 12.65% versus a gain of 48.26% for XSD.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.54% per year against +34.62% for XSD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.11% and +21.35% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, XSD has the edge at +15.38% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XSD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.8% 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 -64.9% for XSD. 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 XSD 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 0.16% for XSD.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XSD share 40 holdings out of 2794 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XSD?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XSD 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 XSD?
Over the past year VTI returned +21.39% vs +81.74% for XSD, so XSD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), VTI annualized +8.07% vs +15.38% for XSD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XSD?
XSD has been the more volatile fund at 29.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XSD -64.9%.
Should I hold both VTI and XSD?
VTI and XSD 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 XSD?
VTI and XSD share 40 common holdings with a 10.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2794 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XSD?
VTI yields 1.07% while XSD yields 0.16%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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