SDSI vs VTI
SDSI vs VTI
American Century Short Duration Strategic Income 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 | SDSI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $245M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.78% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 400 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.32% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.57% | +23.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.58% | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 11, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
SDSI vs VTI Performance
American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDSI returned +3.57% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, SDSI is up 1.32% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.
Over three years, SDSI compounded at +5.58% per year against +20.65% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +5.54%. 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 2.0% for SDSI. 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 -1.3% for SDSI 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDSI charges 0.32% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $3 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDSI currently yields 4.78% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SDSI and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2924 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SDSI | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.33% | 0.32% | 0.01% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDSI or VTI?
SDSI has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDSI or VTI?
Over the past year SDSI returned +3.57% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SDSI annualized +5.54% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDSI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.0% for SDSI. Worst drawdown: SDSI -1.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SDSI and VTI?
SDSI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDSI and VTI?
SDSI and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2924 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDSI or VTI?
SDSI yields 4.78% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SDSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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