GSY vs VTI
GSY vs VTI
Invesco Ultra Short Duration 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 | GSY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.22% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.30% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.30% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.28% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.36% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.80% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
GSY vs VTI Performance
Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF (GSY) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSY returned +4.28% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, GSY is up 2.30% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, GSY compounded at +5.36% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.80% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +1.07%. 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 1.0% for GSY. 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 -12.1% for GSY 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSY charges 0.22% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $22 vs $3 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSY currently yields 4.30% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GSY and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3042 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, GSY or VTI?
GSY has an expense ratio of 0.22% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSY or VTI?
Over the past year GSY returned +4.28% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GSY annualized +1.07% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSY or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.0% for GSY. Worst drawdown: GSY -12.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GSY and VTI?
GSY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSY and VTI?
GSY and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3042 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSY or VTI?
GSY yields 4.30% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GSY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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