VTI vs ZSL
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Silver
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 | ZSL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $64M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | -58.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | -90.72% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | -80.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | -65.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 63.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 1, 2008 |
VTI vs ZSL Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares UltraShort Silver (ZSL) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while ZSL returned -90.72%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a loss of 58.01% for ZSL.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against -80.98% for ZSL; over five years the annualized figures are +12.01% and -65.68% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -47.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 63.1% compared with 15.3% 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 -100.0% for ZSL. 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 -0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while ZSL charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $95 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.00% for ZSL.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and ZSL 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 ZSL?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZSL charges 0.95%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or ZSL?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs -90.72% for ZSL, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs -47.10% for ZSL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or ZSL?
ZSL has been the more volatile fund at 63.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs ZSL -100.0%.
Should I hold both VTI and ZSL?
VTI and ZSL have a monthly-return correlation of -0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and ZSL?
VTI and ZSL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or ZSL?
VTI yields 1.07% while ZSL yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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