VDE vs VTI
VDE vs VTI
Vanguard Energy ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VDE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VDE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $9.0B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.43% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +30.05% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.79% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.15% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.79% | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
VDE vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VDE returned +41.79% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, VDE is up 30.05% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, VDE compounded at +14.15% per year against +20.88% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +23.79% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +6.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VDE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.6% 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 -78.5% for VDE 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VDE charges 0.09% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VDE currently yields 3.43% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VDE and VTI share 81 holdings out of 2814 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VDE | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XOM | 21.63% | 0.78% | 20.85% |
| CVX | 13.50% | 0.43% | 13.07% |
| COP | 5.51% | 0.17% | 5.34% |
| WMB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VLO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MPC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SLB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PSX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KMI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VDE 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, VDE or VTI?
VDE has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VDE or VTI?
Over the past year VDE returned +41.79% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VDE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), VDE annualized +6.57% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VDE or VTI?
VDE has been the more volatile fund at 26.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VDE -78.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VDE and VTI?
VDE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VDE and VTI?
VDE and VTI share 81 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2814 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VDE or VTI?
VDE yields 3.43% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VDE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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