VTI vs YCS
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Yen ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. YCS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | YCS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $32M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +14.96% | +7.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.39% | +25.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.51% | +16.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.36% | +23.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -49.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Nov 24, 2008 |
VTI vs YCS Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares UltraShort Yen ETF (YCS) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% while YCS returned +25.23%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.96% versus a gain of 7.39% for YCS.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.51% per year against +16.20% for YCS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.36% and +23.74% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +6.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% compared with 15.4% 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 -49.6% for YCS. 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 -0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while YCS charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $95 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.00% for YCS.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and YCS share 0 holdings out of 2784 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 YCS?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YCS charges 0.95%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or YCS?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% vs +25.23% for YCS, so YCS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +6.45% for YCS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or YCS?
YCS has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs YCS -49.6%.
Should I hold both VTI and YCS?
VTI and YCS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and YCS?
VTI and YCS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or YCS?
VTI yields 1.07% while YCS yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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