VTI vs ZTR
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Virtus Total Return Fund Inc
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 | ZTR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 2.53% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $375M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 8.06% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 770 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +17.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +17.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | +4.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -87.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Feb 24, 2005 |
VTI vs ZTR Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc (ZTR) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while ZTR returned +17.73%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 13.39% for ZTR.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +17.57% for ZTR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.01% and +4.14% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -3.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -87.0% for ZTR. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while ZTR charges 2.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $253 annually, a gap of $250 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 8.06% for ZTR.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and ZTR share 26 holdings out of 3292 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or ZTR?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZTR charges 2.53%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $250 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or ZTR?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +17.73% for ZTR, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs -3.20% for ZTR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or ZTR?
ZTR has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs ZTR -87.0%.
Should I hold both VTI and ZTR?
VTI and ZTR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and ZTR?
VTI and ZTR share 26 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3292 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or ZTR?
VTI yields 1.07% while ZTR yields 8.06%, so ZTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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