CFA vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCFAVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.03%
AUM$537M$663.5B
Dividend Yield1.23%1.07%
Holdings5023,543
YTD Return+11.88%+13.57%
1Y Return+16.45%+24.23%
3Y Return (annualized)+13.54%+20.73%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.26%+12.24%
Volatility (annualized)14.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-37.9%-56.6%
Fund FamilyVictory Capital Management Inc.Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 1, 2014May 24, 2001

CFA vs VTI Performance

VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Weighted ETF (CFA) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc. and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CFA returned +16.45% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, CFA is up 11.88% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.

Over three years, CFA compounded at +13.54% per year against +20.73% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.26% and +12.24% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, CFA has the edge at +9.90% annualized vs +8.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.9% for CFA. 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 -37.9% for CFA and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CFA charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CFA currently yields 1.23% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

39.0%overlap

CFA and VTI share 460 holdings out of 2822 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CFAWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA0.18%6.32%6.14%
AAPL0.31%5.84%5.53%
MSFT0.23%3.81%3.58%
AMZNProProPro
GOOGLProProPro
AVGOProProPro
MUProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
BRK.BProProPro
See all 10 holdings CFA shares with VTI
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CFA or VTI?

CFA has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CFA or VTI?

Over the past year CFA returned +16.45% vs +24.23% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), CFA annualized +9.90% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CFA or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for CFA. Worst drawdown: CFA -37.9% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both CFA and VTI?

CFA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between CFA and VTI?

CFA and VTI share 460 common holdings with a 39.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2822 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CFA or VTI?

CFA yields 1.23% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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