VTI vs YGLD
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Simplify Gold Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. YGLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | YGLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.53% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $39M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 22.33% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 16 | |
| YTD Return | +14.82% | -9.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.43% | +23.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.93% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.34% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 36.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -43.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 2, 2024 |
VTI vs YGLD Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Simplify Gold Strategy ETF (YGLD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% while YGLD returned +23.43%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.82% versus a loss of 9.45% for YGLD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YGLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.1% 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 -43.4% for YGLD. 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while YGLD charges 0.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $53 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 22.33% for YGLD.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and YGLD share 0 holdings out of 2788 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 YGLD?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YGLD charges 0.53%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or YGLD?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% vs +23.43% for YGLD, so YGLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +37.57% for YGLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or YGLD?
YGLD has been the more volatile fund at 36.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs YGLD -43.4%.
Should I hold both VTI and YGLD?
VTI and YGLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and YGLD?
VTI and YGLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or YGLD?
VTI yields 1.07% while YGLD yields 22.33%, so YGLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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