VTI vs XTN
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. XTN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | XTN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $401M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.64% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 45 | |
| YTD Return | +13.87% | +18.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.31% | +37.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | +10.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.23% | +5.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 23.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -44.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VTI vs XTN Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VTI returned +23.31% while XTN returned +37.90%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.87% versus a gain of 18.78% for XTN.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.17% per year against +10.49% for XTN; over five years the annualized figures are +12.23% and +5.79% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XTN has the edge at +10.12% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XTN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.1% 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 -44.9% for XTN. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XTN 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 0.64% for XTN.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XTN share 1 holdings out of 2785 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VTI | Weight in XTN | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAR | 0.00% | 2.08% | 2.08% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XTN?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XTN 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 XTN?
Over the past year VTI returned +23.31% vs +37.90% for XTN, so XTN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VTI annualized +8.13% vs +10.12% for XTN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XTN?
XTN has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XTN -44.9%.
Should I hold both VTI and XTN?
VTI and XTN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XTN?
VTI and XTN share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XTN?
VTI yields 1.07% while XTN yields 0.64%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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