VSGX vs VTI
Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, VSGX or VTI?
VTI has been ahead.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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
| Metric | VSGX | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $6.7B | $689.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.00% | 1.06% |
| Holdings | 6,688 | 3,524 |
| YTD Return | +8.81% | +13.02%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.27% | +16.63%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.56% | +21.97%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.24% | +11.99%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2%Best | 17.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.1%Best | -35.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,184 | $17,616Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 20, 2018 to Oct 14, 2026 (8.1 years).
VSGX vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 8.1 years both funds cover.
VSGX vs VTI Performance
Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VSGX returned +14.27% while VTI returned +16.63%. Year to date, VSGX is up 8.81% versus a gain of 13.02% for VTI.
Over three years, VSGX compounded at +18.56% per year against +21.97% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.24% and +11.99% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +7.88%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 16.2% for VSGX. 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 -33.1% for VSGX and -35.0% 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VSGX charges 0.10% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $3 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VSGX currently yields 3.00% against 1.06% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
At least 0.2% of VTI's money is in holdings VSGX also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VSGX, our book for it covers 91.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
We cannot see either book well enough to say how much of this pair is duplicated.
16 positions in common, counted across the 6,277 positions we hold weights for in VSGX and 3,441 in VTI, against full books of 6,688 and 3,524.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VSGX | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLMarkel Group Inc | 0.17% | 0.03% | 0.14% |
| WCN:CAWaste Connections, Inc. | 0.12% | 0.06% | 0.06% |
| SUNBSunbelt Rentals | 0.09% | 0.04% | 0.05% |
| HBANHuntington Bancshares Inc./Oh | 0.06% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
| RAILFreightcar America Inc | 0.07% | 0.00% | 0.07% |
| RBARitchie Brothers Auctioneers, Inc. | 0.05% | 0.02% | 0.03% |
| FBKFb Financial Corp | 0.05% | 0.00% | 0.05% |
| 196170:KRAlteogen Inc | 0.03% | 0.01% | 0.02% |
| SIG:LNSignet Jewelers Limited Common Shares | 0.03% | 0.00% | 0.03% |
| CCCSCcc Intelligent Solutions Hold | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VSGX and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VSGX or VTI?
VSGX has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $7 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VSGX or VTI?
Over the past year VSGX returned +14.27% vs +16.63% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), VSGX annualized +7.88% vs +13.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VSGX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 16.2% for VSGX. Worst drawdown: VSGX -33.1% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both VSGX and VTI?
VSGX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VSGX or VTI?
VSGX yields 3.00% while VTI yields 1.06%, so VSGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than VSGX?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.