VTI vs ZSL
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Silver
Which is better, VTI or ZSL?
Large Cap Blend against Trading-Inverse Commodities.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | ZSL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.95% |
| AUM | $690.1B | $82M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 3,524 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +13.35%Best | -46.05% |
| 1Y Return | +15.92%Best | -82.09% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.41%Best | -69.23% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.83%Best | -52.91% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3%Best | 60.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -35.0% | - |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,286Best | $232 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Trading-Inverse Commodities |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 1, 2008 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 3, 2008 to Oct 2, 2026 (17.8 years).
VTI vs ZSL growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
VTI vs ZSL Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares UltraShort Silver (ZSL) is an ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VTI returned +15.92% while ZSL returned -82.09%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.35% versus a loss of 46.05% for ZSL.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +23.41% per year against -69.23% for ZSL; over five years the annualized figures are +12.83% and -52.91% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs -41.78%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 60.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.27. They move largely independently of each other.
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 1.03% against 0.00% for ZSL.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3,463 holdings in VTI and 1 in ZSL, totalling 98.1% and 10.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 3,463 positions we hold weights for in VTI and 1 in ZSL, against full books of 3,524 and 10.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VTI and ZSL you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VTI or ZSL?
Over the past year VTI returned +15.92% vs -82.09% for ZSL, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VTI annualized +13.47% vs -41.78% for ZSL. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VTI or ZSL?
ZSL has been the more volatile fund at 60.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI.
Should I hold both VTI and ZSL?
VTI and ZSL have a monthly-return correlation of -0.27, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or ZSL?
VTI yields 1.03% while ZSL yields 0.00%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZSL better than VTI?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.