VTI vs ZIG
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs The Acquirers Fund 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 | ZIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $32M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.77% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 33 | |
| YTD Return | +14.96% | +10.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.39% | +8.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.51% | +9.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.36% | +8.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -37.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Acquirers Funds, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | May 14, 2019 |
VTI vs ZIG Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and The Acquirers Fund ETF (ZIG) is a ETF from Acquirers Funds, LLC. Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% while ZIG returned +8.05%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.96% versus a gain of 10.66% for ZIG.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.51% per year against +9.92% for ZIG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.36% and +8.45% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +7.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -37.1% for ZIG. 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 ZIG charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $75 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 1.77% for ZIG.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and ZIG share 26 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or ZIG?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZIG charges 0.75%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or ZIG?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% vs +8.05% for ZIG, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +7.86% for ZIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or ZIG?
ZIG has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs ZIG -37.1%.
Should I hold both VTI and ZIG?
VTI and ZIG 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 ZIG?
VTI and ZIG share 26 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or ZIG?
VTI yields 1.07% while ZIG yields 1.77%, so ZIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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