AMUSX vs. VTI
AMUSX (American Funds U.S. Government Securities Fund) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both funds - AMUSX is a Government Bonds fund managed by American Funds, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Over the past 10 years, AMUSX returned 1.11%/yr vs 15.31%/yr for VTI. At a correlation of -0.19, they often move in opposite directions. AMUSX charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.
Performance
AMUSX vs. VTI - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, AMUSX achieves a -0.60% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 10.35% return. Over the past 10 years, AMUSX has underperformed VTI with an annualized return of 1.11%, while VTI has yielded a comparatively higher 15.31% annualized return.
AMUSX
- 1D
- 0.08%
- 1M
- 0.70%
- YTD
- -0.60%
- 6M
- -0.19%
- 1Y
- 3.42%
- 3Y*
- 3.20%
- 5Y*
- -0.28%
- 10Y*
- 1.11%
VTI
- 1D
- -0.32%
- 1M
- 0.55%
- YTD
- 10.35%
- 6M
- 9.59%
- 1Y
- 27.18%
- 3Y*
- 21.19%
- 5Y*
- 12.36%
- 10Y*
- 15.31%
AMUSX vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AMUSX American Funds U.S. Government Securities Fund | -0.60% | 7.55% | 0.63% | 2.79% | -11.50% | -0.84% | 9.44% | 5.03% | 0.64% | 1.54% |
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF | 10.35% | 17.10% | 23.81% | 26.05% | -19.52% | 25.68% | 21.08% | 30.67% | -5.23% | 21.21% |
Correlation
The correlation between AMUSX and VTI is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.29 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.19 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.13 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | -0.04 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2001 | -0.19 |
The correlation between AMUSX and VTI shifts across timeframes, from -0.19 (all time) to 0.28 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
AMUSX vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank
AMUSX
VTI
AMUSX vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds U.S. Government Securities Fund (AMUSX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| AMUSX | VTI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.23 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.52 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.16 | 1.38 | -0.22 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.08 | 3.06 | -1.98 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 3.12 | 13.68 | -10.56 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
AMUSX vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum AMUSX drawdown since its inception was -17.48%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AMUSX and VTI.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| AMUSX | VTI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -17.48% | -55.45% | +37.97% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.35% | -8.92% | +5.57% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -6.43% | -19.30% | +12.87% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -16.84% | -25.36% | +8.52% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -17.48% | -35.00% | +17.52% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.48% | -1.48% | -2.00% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.75% | -8.01% | +5.26% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.15% | 1.99% | -0.84% |
Volatility
AMUSX vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for American Funds U.S. Government Securities Fund (AMUSX) is 1.29%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 4.74%. This indicates that AMUSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| AMUSX | VTI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.29% | 4.74% | -3.45% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.94% | 9.96% | -7.02% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.96% | 12.76% | -8.80% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.07% | 17.49% | -11.42% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.86% | 18.35% | -13.49% |
AMUSX vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison
AMUSX has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.
Dividends
AMUSX vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison
AMUSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.01%, more than VTI's 1.02% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AMUSX American Funds U.S. Government Securities Fund | 4.01% | 3.97% | 4.19% | 3.44% | 2.01% | 1.05% | 4.92% | 2.79% | 1.72% | 1.32% | 2.30% | 2.84% |
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF | 1.02% | 1.12% | 1.27% | 1.44% | 1.66% | 1.21% | 1.42% | 1.78% | 2.04% | 1.71% | 1.92% | 1.98% |
Frequently Asked Questions
AMUSX and VTI have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VTI has higher volatility (4.74%) compared to AMUSX (1.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AMUSX dropped -17.48% vs VTI's -55.45%.
VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 0.91), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.
Find the right allocation for AMUSX and VTI
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer