SHAG vs VTI
SHAG vs VTI
Wisdomtree Yield Enhanced US Short-Term Aggregate Bond Fund 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 | SHAG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $47M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.31% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,122 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.86% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.44% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.78% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.96% | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 18, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
SHAG vs VTI Performance
Wisdomtree Yield Enhanced US Short-Term Aggregate Bond Fund (SHAG) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SHAG returned +0.44% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, SHAG is down 1.86% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SHAG compounded at +3.78% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.96% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +1.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 2.6% for SHAG. 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 -9.6% for SHAG 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SHAG charges 0.12% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $3 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SHAG currently yields 4.31% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SHAG and VTI share 3 holdings out of 3804 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SHAG or VTI?
SHAG has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SHAG or VTI?
Over the past year SHAG returned +0.44% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SHAG annualized +1.82% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SHAG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 2.6% for SHAG. Worst drawdown: SHAG -9.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SHAG and VTI?
SHAG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SHAG and VTI?
SHAG and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3804 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SHAG or VTI?
SHAG yields 4.31% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SHAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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