USCA vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

USCA (Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - USCA tracks the MSCI USA Climate Action Index - Benchmark TR Gross while VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, USCA returned 20.91%/yr vs 22.37%/yr for VTI. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. USCA charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

USCA vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF (USCA) 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, USCA achieves a 7.54% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 11.72% return.

USCA

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 4.36%
• YTD: 7.54%
• 6M: 7.35%
• 1Y: 21.47%
• 3Y*: 20.91%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 4.59%
• YTD: 11.72%
• 6M: 11.43%
• 1Y: 28.79%
• 3Y*: 22.37%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 15.04%

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

USCA vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
USCA Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF	7.54%	14.24%	27.24%	19.92%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	11.72%	17.10%	23.81%	18.08%

Correlation

The correlation between USCA and VTI is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 5, 2023	0.97

The correlation between USCA and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

USCA vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USCA	VTI
Technology	29.4%	33.5%
Financial Services	13.6%	12.0%
Communication Services	12.7%	10.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	10.0%
Healthcare	10.7%	9.2%
Industrials	7.0%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.7%
Energy	3.5%	3.7%
Utilities	2.4%	2.3%
Real Estate	2.3%	2.4%
Basic Materials	1.9%	2.0%

Return for Risk

USCA vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

USCA

USCA Risk / Return Rank: 50
USCA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
USCA Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
USCA Omega Ratio Rank: 52
USCA Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
USCA Martin Ratio Rank: 50

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 73
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

USCA vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF (USCA) 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.

	USCA	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.38	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	3.24	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.43	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.10	3.24	-1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.33	14.94	-6.61
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

USCA vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USCA Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USCA 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	USCA	VTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.79	2.38	-0.59
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.74	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.50	0.51	+0.99

Drawdowns

USCA vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USCA drawdown since its inception was -19.14%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USCA and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	USCA	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.14%	-55.45%	+36.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.25%	-8.92%	-1.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.14%	-19.30%	+0.16%
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	-0.36%	-0.26%	-0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.16%	-8.03%	+5.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	1.93%	+0.65%

Volatility

USCA vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF (USCA) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) have volatilities of 2.85% and 2.90%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USCA	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.85%	2.90%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.08%	9.13%	-0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.08%	12.17%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.75%	17.40%	-2.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.75%	18.30%	-3.55%

USCA vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

USCA has a 0.07% 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

USCA vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

USCA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, more than VTI's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USCA Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF	1.08%	1.14%	1.22%	1.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.01%	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 USCA and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, USCA 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, USCA or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (2.90%) compared to USCA (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USCA dropped -19.14% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, USCA or VTI?

On 3-year performance, VTI leads with 22.37% vs 20.91% for USCA. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USCA or VTI?

Over the 3-year period, VTI has performed better with a 22.37% return vs 20.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USCA or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for USCA.

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

USCA has the higher dividend yield at 1.08%, compared with 1.01% for VTI.

What is the main difference between USCA and VTI?

USCA tracks MSCI USA Climate Action Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for USCA and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 1.79), 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.