VTI vs ZHDG
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF
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 | ZHDG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.97% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $37M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 2.47% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 11 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +6.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +12.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +13.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | +5.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 12.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -23.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Zega ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jul 6, 2021 |
VTI vs ZHDG Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG) is a ETF from Zega ETFs. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while ZHDG returned +12.85%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 6.54% for ZHDG.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +13.75% for ZHDG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.01% and +5.69% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +5.87%. 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 12.5% for ZHDG. 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 -23.3% for ZHDG. 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 0.97. 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 ZHDG charges 0.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $97 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 2.47% for ZHDG.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and ZHDG share 0 holdings out of 2790 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 ZHDG?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZHDG charges 0.97%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or ZHDG?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +12.85% for ZHDG, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +5.87% for ZHDG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or ZHDG?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.5% for ZHDG. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs ZHDG -23.3%.
Should I hold both VTI and ZHDG?
VTI and ZHDG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and ZHDG?
VTI and ZHDG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or ZHDG?
VTI yields 1.07% while ZHDG yields 2.47%, so ZHDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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