SMTH vs VTI
SMTH vs VTI
ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond 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 | SMTH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.38% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 954 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.13% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.42% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
SMTH vs VTI Performance
ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMTH returned +2.42% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, SMTH is up 0.13% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.0% for SMTH. 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 -4.1% for SMTH 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMTH charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMTH currently yields 4.38% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMTH and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2930 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, SMTH or VTI?
SMTH has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMTH or VTI?
Over the past year SMTH returned +2.42% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMTH annualized +4.93% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMTH or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.0% for SMTH. Worst drawdown: SMTH -4.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMTH and VTI?
SMTH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMTH and VTI?
SMTH and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2930 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMTH or VTI?
SMTH yields 4.38% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMTH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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