VTI vs XTL
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Telecom ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. XTL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | XTL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $573M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.16% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 42 | |
| YTD Return | +13.87% | +39.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.31% | +75.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | +43.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.23% | +17.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -37.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VTI vs XTL Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VTI returned +23.31% while XTL returned +75.44%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.87% versus a gain of 39.43% for XTL.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.17% per year against +43.39% for XTL; over five years the annualized figures are +12.23% and +17.88% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XTL has the edge at +10.10% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -37.0% for XTL. 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 XTL 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 1.16% for XTL.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XTL share 1 holdings out of 2783 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VTI | Weight in XTL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSCO | 0.57% | 3.02% | 2.45% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XTL?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XTL 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 XTL?
Over the past year VTI returned +23.31% vs +75.44% for XTL, so XTL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VTI annualized +8.13% vs +10.10% for XTL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XTL?
XTL has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XTL -37.0%.
Should I hold both VTI and XTL?
VTI and XTL 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 XTL?
VTI and XTL share 1 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2783 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XTL?
VTI yields 1.07% while XTL yields 1.16%, so XTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.