VTI vs ZALT
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Innovator US Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly
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 | ZALT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.69% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $782M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +5.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +9.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +10.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 3.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -8.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Oct 2, 2023 |
VTI vs ZALT Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (ZALT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while ZALT returned +9.69%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 5.58% for ZALT.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +10.83% for ZALT. Across the full 3-year window we track, ZALT has the edge at +10.83% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 3.9% for ZALT. 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 -8.2% for ZALT. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while ZALT charges 0.69%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $69 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.00% for ZALT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or ZALT?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZALT charges 0.69%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or ZALT?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +9.69% for ZALT, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +10.83% for ZALT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or ZALT?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.9% for ZALT. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs ZALT -8.2%.
Should I hold both VTI and ZALT?
VTI and ZALT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or ZALT?
VTI yields 1.07% while ZALT yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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