VMAX vs VTI
VMAX vs VTI
Hartford US Value ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VMAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VMAX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $49M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 142 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.00% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.86% | +24.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
VMAX vs VTI Performance
Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VMAX returned +27.86% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, VMAX is up 17.00% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.2% for VMAX. 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 -19.1% for VMAX 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VMAX charges 0.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VMAX currently yields 1.87% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VMAX and VTI share 125 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VMAX | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 0.84% | 6.32% | 5.48% |
| AAPL | 0.45% | 5.84% | 5.39% |
| GOOGL | 1.90% | 2.88% | 0.98% |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| STT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VMAX 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, VMAX or VTI?
VMAX has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VMAX or VTI?
Over the past year VMAX returned +27.86% vs +24.23% for VTI, so VMAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VMAX annualized +21.62% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VMAX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.2% for VMAX. Worst drawdown: VMAX -19.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VMAX and VTI?
VMAX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VMAX and VTI?
VMAX and VTI share 125 common holdings with a 23.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VMAX or VTI?
VMAX yields 1.87% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VMAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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