LCR vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

LCR (Leuthold Core ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LCR is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by The Leuthold Group LLC, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. LCR is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LCR returned 6.92%/yr vs 12.36%/yr for VTI. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. LCR charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

LCR vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Leuthold Core ETF (LCR) 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, LCR achieves a 3.96% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 10.35% return.

LCR

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 3.96%
• 6M: 3.47%
• 1Y: 13.88%
• 3Y*: 10.84%
• 5Y*: 6.92%
• 10Y*: —

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%

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

LCR vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
LCR Leuthold Core ETF	3.96%	12.43%	8.68%	12.80%	-7.58%	12.12%	13.56%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	10.35%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	20.85%

Correlation

The correlation between LCR and VTI is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 6, 2020	0.91

The correlation between LCR and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LCR vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

LCR

LCR Risk / Return Rank: 53
LCR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
LCR Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
LCR Omega Ratio Rank: 53
LCR Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
LCR Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

LCR vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Leuthold Core ETF (LCR) 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.

	LCR	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	2.14	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	2.90	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.38	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	3.06	-0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.43	13.68	-4.24

LCR vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LCR Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LCR 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

LCR vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LCR drawdown since its inception was -17.44%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LCR and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	LCR	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.44%	-55.45%	+38.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.02%	-8.92%	+2.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.59%	-19.30%	+10.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.40%	-25.36%	+11.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.63%	-1.48%	+0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.82%	-8.01%	+5.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.47%	1.99%	-0.52%

Volatility

LCR vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Leuthold Core ETF (LCR) is 2.81%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 4.74%. This indicates that LCR 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

	LCR	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.81%	4.74%	-1.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.39%	9.96%	-3.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.87%	12.76%	-4.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.08%	17.49%	-8.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.40%	18.35%	-6.95%

LCR vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

LCR has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

LCR vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

LCR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.32%, more than VTI's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LCR Leuthold Core ETF	1.32%	1.37%	1.86%	1.60%	0.75%	0.21%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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

Can I hold both LCR and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, LCR and VTI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, LCR or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.74%) compared to LCR (2.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LCR dropped -17.44% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, LCR or VTI?

On 5-year performance, VTI leads with 12.36% vs 6.92% for LCR. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, LCR has been the lower-risk option at 2.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LCR or VTI?

Over the 5-year period, VTI has performed better with a 12.36% return vs 6.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LCR or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for LCR.

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

LCR has the higher dividend yield at 1.32%, compared with 1.02% for VTI.

What is the main difference between LCR and VTI?

LCR is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: The Leuthold Group LLC and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for LCR and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.77), 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.