VEGA vs VTI
VEGA vs VTI
AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write 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 | VEGA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $89M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.65% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.96% | +23.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.65% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
VEGA vs VTI Performance
AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEGA returned +14.96% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, VEGA is up 7.65% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.
Over three years, VEGA compounded at +12.89% per year against +20.65% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.65% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +6.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.8% for VEGA. 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 -28.4% for VEGA 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEGA charges 1.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $125 vs $3 annually, a gap of $122 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEGA currently yields 1.26% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VEGA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2793 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, VEGA or VTI?
VEGA has an expense ratio of 1.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $122 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEGA or VTI?
Over the past year VEGA returned +14.96% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VEGA annualized +6.14% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEGA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.8% for VEGA. Worst drawdown: VEGA -28.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VEGA and VTI?
VEGA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VEGA and VTI?
VEGA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEGA or VTI?
VEGA yields 1.26% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VEGA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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