NCIQ vs. VTI

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

NCIQ (Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NCIQ is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Nasdaq Crypto US Settlement Price™ Index, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NCIQ returned -49.03% vs 21.85% for VTI. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NCIQ charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

NCIQ vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (NCIQ) 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, NCIQ achieves a -31.88% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 10.96% return.

NCIQ

• 1D: -2.59%
• 1M: -1.06%
• 6M: -35.46%
• YTD: -31.88%
• 1Y: -49.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 1.22%
• 6M: 8.45%
• YTD: 10.96%
• 1Y: 21.85%
• 3Y*: 19.76%
• 5Y*: 12.01%
• 10Y*: 14.67%

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

NCIQ vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NCIQ Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF	-31.88%	-13.57%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	10.96%	12.42%

Correlation

The correlation between NCIQ and VTI is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 14, 2025	0.51

The correlation between NCIQ and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NCIQ vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

NCIQ

NCIQ Risk / Return Rank: 2
NCIQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
NCIQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
NCIQ Omega Ratio Rank: 2
NCIQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
NCIQ Martin Ratio Rank: 2

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 66
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

NCIQ vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (NCIQ) 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.

	NCIQ	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.03	1.71	-2.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.57	2.36	-3.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.83	1.31	-0.48
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.86	2.46	-3.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.38	10.78	-12.16

NCIQ vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NCIQ Sharpe Ratio is -1.03, which is lower than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NCIQ 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

NCIQ vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NCIQ drawdown since its inception was -57.05%, roughly equal to the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NCIQ and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	NCIQ	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.05%	-55.45%	-1.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-57.05%	-8.92%	-48.13%
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	-54.44%	-0.94%	-53.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.58%	-8.00%	-16.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	35.53%	2.03%	+33.50%

Volatility

NCIQ vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (NCIQ) has a higher volatility of 12.13% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) at 4.08%. This indicates that NCIQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NCIQ	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.13%	4.08%	+8.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.79%	10.13%	+26.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	48.01%	12.85%	+35.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	47.75%	17.51%	+30.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	47.75%	18.29%	+29.46%

NCIQ vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

NCIQ has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

NCIQ vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

NCIQ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NCIQ Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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	1.05%	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 NCIQ and VTI in my portfolio?

NCIQ and VTI have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NCIQ or VTI?

NCIQ has higher volatility (12.13%) compared to VTI (4.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NCIQ dropped -57.05% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, NCIQ or VTI?

On 1-year performance, VTI leads with 21.85% vs -49.03% for NCIQ. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTI has been the lower-risk option at 4.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NCIQ or VTI?

Over the 1-year period, VTI has performed better with a 21.85% return vs -49.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NCIQ or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for NCIQ.

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.00% for NCIQ.

What is the main difference between NCIQ and VTI?

NCIQ is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. NCIQ tracks Nasdaq Crypto US Settlement Price™ Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Hashdex and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for NCIQ and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs -1.03), 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.