ELM vs VTI
ELM vs VTI
Elm Market Navigator ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ELM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $576M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.17% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.21% | +23.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Elm Partners Management LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 10, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
ELM vs VTI Performance
Elm Market Navigator ETF (ELM) is a ETF from Elm Partners Management LLC and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ELM returned +16.21% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, ELM is up 8.17% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 7.8% for ELM. 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 -9.0% for ELM 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ELM charges 0.24% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $3 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ELM currently yields 2.53% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ELM and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2802 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, ELM or VTI?
ELM has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ELM or VTI?
Over the past year ELM returned +16.21% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ELM annualized +14.10% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ELM or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.8% for ELM. Worst drawdown: ELM -9.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ELM and VTI?
ELM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ELM and VTI?
ELM and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2802 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ELM or VTI?
ELM yields 2.53% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ELM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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