TSI vs VTI
TSI vs VTI
TCW Strategic Income Fund Inc. 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 | TSI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.21% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 746 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -7.05% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.71% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.96% | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.72% | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | TCW Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 1987 | May 24, 2001 |
TSI vs VTI Performance
TCW Strategic Income Fund Inc. (TSI) is a ETF from TCW Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TSI returned -3.71% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, TSI is down 7.05% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Over three years, TSI compounded at +5.96% per year against +20.40% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.72% and +11.96% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.06% annualized vs +0.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TSI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 15.3% 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 -83.3% for TSI 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TSI charges 1.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $3 annually, a gap of $100 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TSI currently yields 6.21% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TSI and VTI share 6 holdings out of 3024 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in TSI | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGNC | 0.47% | 0.02% | 0.45% |
| VZ | 0.25% | 0.22% | 0.03% |
| NLY | 0.28% | 0.02% | 0.26% |
| AMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RITM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CNP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings TSI shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TSI or VTI?
TSI has an expense ratio of 1.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $100 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TSI or VTI?
Over the past year TSI returned -3.71% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), TSI annualized +0.20% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TSI or VTI?
TSI has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TSI -83.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TSI and VTI?
TSI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TSI and VTI?
TSI and VTI share 6 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3024 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TSI or VTI?
TSI yields 6.21% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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