TIER vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. TIER delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: TIERMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTIERVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.38%0.03%
AUM-$663.5B
Dividend Yield-1.07%
Holdings3473,543
YTD Return+11.86%+10.14%
1Y Return+28.17%+19.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.94%
5Y Return (annualized)-+11.79%
Volatility (annualized)14.7%15.4%
Max Drawdown-12.1%-56.6%
Fund FamilyT.Rowe PriceVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 25, 2025May 24, 2001

TIER vs VTI Performance

T. Rowe Price International Equity Research ETF (TIER) is a ETF from T.Rowe Price and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TIER returned +28.17% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, TIER is up 11.86% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.7% for TIER. 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 TIER 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

TIER charges 0.38% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

TIER and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2944 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in TIERWeight in VTIDifference
VST0.04%0.07%0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, TIER or VTI?

TIER has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.

Which performed better, TIER or VTI?

Over the past year TIER returned +28.17% vs +19.82% for VTI, so TIER leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), TIER annualized +24.82% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, TIER or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.7% for TIER. Worst drawdown: TIER -12.1% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both TIER and VTI?

TIER and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between TIER and VTI?

TIER and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2944 unique securities.

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