CSTK vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CSTK (Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CSTK is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Invesco, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. CSTK is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Over the past year, CSTK returned 25.69% vs 24.22% for VTI. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CSTK charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

CSTK vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CSTK achieves a 12.57% return, which is significantly higher than VTI's 8.82% return.

CSTK

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: 12.57%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 25.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 8.82%
• 6M: 7.71%
• 1Y: 24.22%
• 3Y*: 20.62%
• 5Y*: 11.90%
• 10Y*: 15.14%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CSTK vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CSTK Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF	12.57%	18.16%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.82%	22.99%

Correlation

The correlation between CSTK and VTI is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 7, 2025	0.74

The correlation between CSTK and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CSTK vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CSTK

CSTK Risk / Return Rank: 73
CSTK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
CSTK Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
CSTK Omega Ratio Rank: 74
CSTK Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
CSTK Martin Ratio Rank: 68

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 59
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 68

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CSTK vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) 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.

	CSTK	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	1.90	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.24	2.59	+0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.34	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	2.73	+0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.38	12.14	-0.76

CSTK vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CSTK Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CSTK and VTI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

CSTK vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CSTK drawdown since its inception was -8.87%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CSTK and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	CSTK	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.87%	-55.45%	+46.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-8.92%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.30%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-2.85%	+1.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.24%	-8.01%	+6.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.26%	2.00%	+0.26%

Volatility

CSTK vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) is 3.26%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 4.95%. This indicates that CSTK 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.

Volatility by Period

	CSTK	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.26%	4.95%	-1.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.63%	10.05%	-1.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.42%	12.83%	-1.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.64%	17.51%	-5.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.64%	18.32%	-6.68%

CSTK vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

CSTK has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

CSTK vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

CSTK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.18%, more than VTI's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CSTK Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF	2.18%	1.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.04%	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

Can I hold both CSTK and VTI in my portfolio?

CSTK and VTI have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CSTK or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to CSTK (3.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CSTK dropped -8.87% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, CSTK or VTI?

On 1-year performance, CSTK leads with 25.69% vs 24.22% for VTI. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, CSTK has been the lower-risk option at 3.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CSTK or VTI?

Over the 1-year period, CSTK has performed better with a 25.69% return vs 24.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CSTK or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for CSTK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CSTK or VTI?

CSTK has the higher dividend yield at 2.18%, compared with 1.04% for VTI.

What is the main difference between CSTK and VTI?

CSTK is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for CSTK and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CSTK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.90), 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.