LCTU 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

MetricLCTUVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.15%0.03%
AUM$1.2B$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.96%1.07%
Holdings3193,543
YTD Return+8.63%+10.14%
1Y Return+17.60%+19.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.17%+18.94%
5Y Return (annualized)+11.47%+11.79%
Volatility (annualized)15.8%15.4%
Max Drawdown-25.9%-56.6%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionApr 6, 2021May 24, 2001

LCTU vs VTI Performance

iShares US Carbon Transition Readiness Aware Active ETF (LCTU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LCTU returned +17.60% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, LCTU is up 8.63% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.

Over three years, LCTU compounded at +18.17% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.47% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, LCTU has the edge at +12.36% annualized vs +7.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

LCTU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 15.4% 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 -25.9% for LCTU 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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

LCTU charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LCTU currently yields 0.96% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

65.6%overlap

LCTU and VTI share 279 holdings out of 2818 unique holdings combined, representing a 65.6% weight overlap.

High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in LCTUWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA7.08%6.32%0.76%
AAPL7.22%5.84%1.38%
MSFT3.54%3.81%0.27%
AMZNProProPro
GOOGLProProPro
AVGOProProPro
GOOGProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
MUProProPro
See all 10 holdings LCTU 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, LCTU or VTI?

LCTU has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.

Which performed better, LCTU or VTI?

Over the past year LCTU returned +17.60% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), LCTU annualized +12.36% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, LCTU or VTI?

LCTU has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: LCTU -25.9% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both LCTU and VTI?

LCTU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, 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 LCTU and VTI?

LCTU and VTI share 279 common holdings with a 65.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2818 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, LCTU or VTI?

LCTU yields 0.96% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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