VTI vs VTWAX
VTI vs VTWAX
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund Admiral Class
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTWAX offers more diversification with 9790 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | VTWAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $12.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.55% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 10,039 | |
| YTD Return | +14.20% | +12.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.16% | +22.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.12% | +17.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.37% | +8.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -28.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Feb 7, 2019 |
VTI vs VTWAX Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund Admiral Class (VTWAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTI returned +24.16% while VTWAX returned +22.27%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.20% versus a gain of 12.57% for VTWAX.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.12% per year against +17.50% for VTWAX; over five years the annualized figures are +12.37% and +8.78% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTWAX has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs +8.14%. 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 15.2% for VTWAX. 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 -56.6% for VTI and -28.0% for VTWAX. 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
VTI charges 0.03% per year while VTWAX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 1.55% for VTWAX.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and VTWAX share 1262 holdings out of 11311 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VTI | Weight in VTWAX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.32% | 4.16% | 2.16% |
| AAPL | 5.84% | 3.51% | 2.33% |
| MSFT | 3.81% | 2.96% | 0.85% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VTI shares with VTWAX 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, VTI or VTWAX?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTWAX charges 0.09%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or VTWAX?
Over the past year VTI returned +24.16% vs +22.27% for VTWAX, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTI annualized +8.14% vs +8.78% for VTWAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or VTWAX?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.2% for VTWAX. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs VTWAX -28.0%.
Should I hold both VTI and VTWAX?
VTI and VTWAX 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 VTI and VTWAX?
VTI and VTWAX share 1262 common holdings with a 54.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 11311 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or VTWAX?
VTI yields 1.07% while VTWAX yields 1.55%, so VTWAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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