NELS vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

NELS (Nelson Select ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. NELS is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NELS charges 1.69%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

NELS vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nelson Select ETF (NELS) 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, NELS achieves a 9.49% return, which is significantly higher than VTI's 8.72% return.

NELS

• 1D: -2.87%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 9.64%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: -2.68%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 8.72%
• 6M: 8.29%
• 1Y: 26.04%
• 3Y*: 21.08%
• 5Y*: 12.19%
• 10Y*: 14.71%

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

NELS vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NELS Nelson Select ETF	9.49%	2.42%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.72%	2.39%

Correlation

The correlation between NELS and VTI is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 16, 2025	0.94

Return for Risk

NELS vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 64
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
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.

NELS vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nelson Select ETF (NELS) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NELS	VTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.34	0.50	+0.84

Drawdowns

NELS vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NELS drawdown since its inception was -9.30%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NELS and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	NELS	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.30%	-55.45%	+46.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.92%	—
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	-2.88%	-2.93%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.61%	-8.02%	+6.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.94%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NELS	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.90%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.55%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.80%	12.48%	+2.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.80%	17.44%	-2.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.80%	18.32%	-3.52%

NELS vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

NELS has a 1.69% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

NELS vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

NELS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NELS Nelson Select 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	1.04%	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 NELS and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, NELS 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 ETF is better, NELS or VTI?

On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NELS or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 1.69% for NELS.

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.00% for NELS.

What is the main difference between NELS and VTI?

They also come from different issuers: Nelson Capital Management and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 1.69% for NELS and 0.03% for VTI.