EQUL vs VTI

EQUL vs VTI

Which is better, EQUL or VTI?

Large Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.

VTI has a lower expense ratio. EQUL led over 1Y, VTI over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: split

MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEQULVTI
Expense Ratio0.45%0.03%Best
AUM$7M$689.2B
Dividend Yield1.77%1.06%
Holdings763,524
Volatility (annualized)18.3%17.3%Best
Max Drawdown-25.2%Best-25.4%
$10,000 over 3.1 years$11,354$13,074Best
Fund FamilyINDEXIQ ETF TRUSTVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
StyleLarge Cap ValueLarge Cap Blend
InceptionOct 21, 2021May 24, 2001

Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.

The two price series end 694 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. EQUL has data through Nov 19, 2024 and VTI through Oct 14, 2026.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 21, 2021 to Nov 19, 2024 (3.1 years).

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EQUL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 17.3% 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 -25.2% for EQUL and -25.4% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EQUL charges 0.45% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQUL currently yields 1.77% against 1.06% for VTI.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of EQUL and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

EQULVTI

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EQUL or VTI?

EQUL has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $42 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, EQUL or VTI?

EQUL has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 17.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EQUL -25.2% vs VTI -25.4%.

Should I hold both EQUL and VTI?

EQUL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which pays a higher dividend, EQUL or VTI?

EQUL yields 1.77% while VTI yields 1.06%, so EQUL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is VTI better than EQUL?

VTI has a lower expense ratio. EQUL led over 1Y, VTI over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.