VTI vs WIA
VTI vs WIA
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund
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 | VTI | WIA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.83% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $205M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 6.98% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 161 | |
| YTD Return | +13.92% | +1.03% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.07% | +2.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.88% | +6.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.47% | -1.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 9.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -43.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Sep 30, 2003 |
VTI vs WIA Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (WIA) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VTI returned +24.07% while WIA returned +2.48%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.92% versus a gain of 1.03% for WIA.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +20.88% per year against +6.20% for WIA; over five years the annualized figures are +12.47% and -1.10% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs -0.45%. 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 9.7% for WIA. 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 -43.6% for WIA. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while WIA charges 0.83%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $83 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 6.98% for WIA.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and WIA share 0 holdings out of 2872 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, VTI or WIA?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WIA charges 0.83%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or WIA?
Over the past year VTI returned +24.07% vs +2.48% for WIA, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VTI annualized +8.13% vs -0.45% for WIA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or WIA?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.7% for WIA. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs WIA -43.6%.
Should I hold both VTI and WIA?
VTI and WIA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and WIA?
VTI and WIA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2872 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or WIA?
VTI yields 1.07% while WIA yields 6.98%, so WIA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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