VTI vs YSEP
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September
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 | YSEP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $122M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +8.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +13.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +13.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | +7.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 11.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Sep 17, 2021 |
VTI vs YSEP Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (YSEP) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while YSEP returned +13.76%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 8.36% for YSEP.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +13.47% for YSEP; over five years the annualized figures are +12.01% and +7.33% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +7.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.2% for YSEP. 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 -22.6% for YSEP. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while YSEP charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $90 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.00% for YSEP.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and YSEP 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 YSEP?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YSEP charges 0.90%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or YSEP?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +13.76% for YSEP, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +7.33% for YSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or YSEP?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.2% for YSEP. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs YSEP -22.6%.
Should I hold both VTI and YSEP?
VTI and YSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and YSEP?
VTI and YSEP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or YSEP?
VTI yields 1.07% while YSEP yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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