VFH vs VTI
VFH vs VTI
Vanguard Financials 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 | VFH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.7B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.77% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 415 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.84% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.83% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.40% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.69% | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
VFH vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VFH returned +13.83% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, VFH is up 6.84% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, VFH compounded at +20.40% per year against +20.88% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.69% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +5.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VFH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -79.9% for VFH 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VFH 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, VFH currently yields 1.77% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VFH and VTI share 330 holdings out of 2865 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VFH | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPM | 9.19% | 1.11% | 8.08% |
| BRK.B | 7.46% | 1.24% | 6.22% |
| MA | 4.88% | 0.56% | 4.32% |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| C | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AXP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VFH 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, VFH or VTI?
VFH 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, VFH or VTI?
Over the past year VFH returned +13.83% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VFH annualized +5.27% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VFH or VTI?
VFH has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VFH -79.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VFH and VTI?
VFH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VFH and VTI?
VFH and VTI share 330 common holdings with a 10.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VFH or VTI?
VFH yields 1.77% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VFH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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