VSLU vs VTI
VSLU vs VTI
Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap 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 | VSLU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $545M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.45% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 591 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.67% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.75% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.76% | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.20% | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Applied Finance Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
VSLU vs VTI Performance
Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF (VSLU) is a ETF from Applied Finance Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VSLU returned +19.75% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, VSLU is up 9.67% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Over three years, VSLU compounded at +20.76% per year against +20.40% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.20% and +11.96% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VSLU has the edge at +13.90% annualized vs +8.06%. 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 14.8% for VSLU. 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 -23.9% for VSLU 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VSLU charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VSLU currently yields 0.45% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VSLU and VTI share 482 holdings out of 2887 unique holdings combined, representing a 56.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VSLU | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 9.15% | 5.84% | 3.31% |
| NVDA | 8.52% | 6.32% | 2.20% |
| GOOGL | 8.64% | 2.88% | 5.76% |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VSLU 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, VSLU or VTI?
VSLU has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VSLU or VTI?
Over the past year VSLU returned +19.75% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VSLU annualized +13.90% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VSLU or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.8% for VSLU. Worst drawdown: VSLU -23.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VSLU and VTI?
VSLU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 VSLU and VTI?
VSLU and VTI share 482 common holdings with a 56.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2887 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VSLU or VTI?
VSLU yields 0.45% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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