DWUS 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

MetricDWUSVTIWinner
Expense Ratio1.08%0.03%
AUM$115M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.03%1.07%
Holdings33,543
YTD Return+11.04%+14.20%
1Y Return+17.22%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)+17.77%+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.98%+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)18.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-30.5%-56.6%
Fund FamilyAdvisor SharesVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 26, 2019May 24, 2001

DWUS vs VTI Performance

Advisorshares Dorsey Wright Fsm Us Core Etf (DWUS) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DWUS returned +17.22% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, DWUS is up 11.04% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Over three years, DWUS compounded at +17.77% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.98% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, DWUS has the edge at +14.48% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DWUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% 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 -30.5% for DWUS 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DWUS charges 1.08% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $3 annually, a gap of $105 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DWUS currently yields 0.03% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DWUS and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2786 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, DWUS or VTI?

DWUS has an expense ratio of 1.08% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DWUS or VTI?

Over the past year DWUS returned +17.22% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), DWUS annualized +14.48% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DWUS or VTI?

DWUS has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DWUS -30.5% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both DWUS and VTI?

DWUS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 DWUS and VTI?

DWUS and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DWUS or VTI?

DWUS yields 0.03% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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