VTI vs ZVOL
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Volatility Premium Plus 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 | ZVOL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.42% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 74.79% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | -19.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | -11.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | -1.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 55.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -64.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Volatility Shares, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Nov 22, 2024 |
VTI vs ZVOL Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL) is a ETF from Volatility Shares, LLC. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while ZVOL returned -11.37%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a loss of 19.85% for ZVOL.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against -1.98% for ZVOL. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +5.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.4% 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 -64.5% for ZVOL. 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while ZVOL charges 1.42%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $142 annually, a gap of $139 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 74.79% for ZVOL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or ZVOL?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZVOL charges 1.42%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $139 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or ZVOL?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs -11.37% for ZVOL, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +5.30% for ZVOL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or ZVOL?
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund at 55.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs ZVOL -64.5%.
Should I hold both VTI and ZVOL?
VTI and ZVOL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or ZVOL?
VTI yields 1.07% while ZVOL yields 74.79%, so ZVOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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