VTI vs XSLV
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility 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 | XSLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $250M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 2.06% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 119 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +15.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +16.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +11.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | +4.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -45.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Feb 12, 2013 |
VTI vs XSLV Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF (XSLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while XSLV returned +16.92%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 15.04% for XSLV.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +11.35% for XSLV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.01% and +4.06% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +6.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XSLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -45.3% for XSLV. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XSLV charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $25 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 2.06% for XSLV.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XSLV share 86 holdings out of 2816 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 XSLV?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XSLV charges 0.25%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or XSLV?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +16.92% for XSLV, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +6.49% for XSLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XSLV?
XSLV has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XSLV -45.3%.
Should I hold both VTI and XSLV?
VTI and XSLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XSLV?
VTI and XSLV share 86 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2816 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XSLV?
VTI yields 1.07% while XSLV yields 2.06%, so XSLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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