CGSD 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

MetricCGSDVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.03%
AUM$2.4B$663.5B
Dividend Yield4.46%1.07%
Holdings1,0353,543
YTD Return+1.42%+13.57%
1Y Return+3.54%+24.23%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.29%+20.73%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.24%
Volatility (annualized)1.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-1.8%-56.6%
Fund FamilyCapital Group (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionOct 25, 2022May 24, 2001

CGSD vs VTI Performance

Capital Group Short Duration Income ETF (CGSD) is a ETF from Capital Group (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CGSD returned +3.54% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, CGSD is up 1.42% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.

Over three years, CGSD compounded at +5.29% per year against +20.73% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.12% annualized vs +5.11%. 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 1.9% for CGSD. 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 -1.8% for CGSD 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CGSD charges 0.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGSD currently yields 4.46% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

CGSD and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3285 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, CGSD or VTI?

CGSD has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CGSD or VTI?

Over the past year CGSD returned +3.54% vs +24.23% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), CGSD annualized +5.11% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CGSD or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.9% for CGSD. Worst drawdown: CGSD -1.8% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both CGSD and VTI?

CGSD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CGSD and VTI?

CGSD and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3285 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CGSD or VTI?

CGSD yields 4.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CGSD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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