USNZ vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

USNZ (Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - USNZ tracks the Solactive ISS ESG United States Net Zero Pathway Enhanced Index - Benchmark TR Net while VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, USNZ returned 19.54%/yr vs 20.62%/yr for VTI. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. USNZ charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

USNZ vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF (USNZ) 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, USNZ achieves a 7.73% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 8.82% return.

USNZ

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: -1.23%
• YTD: 7.73%
• 6M: 6.91%
• 1Y: 24.01%
• 3Y*: 19.54%
• 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)

USNZ vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
USNZ Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF	7.73%	17.76%	21.96%	27.76%	0.80%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.82%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-0.85%

Correlation

The correlation between USNZ and VTI is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2022	0.97

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

USNZ vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USNZ	VTI
Technology	45.3%	37.0%
Communication Services	12.5%	9.8%
Healthcare	10.8%	9.0%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	9.7%
Financial Services	9.8%	11.3%
Industrials	3.2%	9.4%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	4.3%
Real Estate	3.0%	2.3%
Basic Materials	1.2%	1.9%
Utilities	1.1%	2.1%
Energy	0.0%	3.3%

Return for Risk

USNZ vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

USNZ

USNZ Risk / Return Rank: 54
USNZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
USNZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
USNZ Omega Ratio Rank: 55
USNZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
USNZ Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

USNZ vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF (USNZ) 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.

	USNZ	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.90	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.59	-0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.18	2.73	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.31	12.14	-2.83

USNZ vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USNZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USNZ 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

USNZ vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USNZ drawdown since its inception was -19.16%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USNZ and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	USNZ	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.16%	-55.45%	+36.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.07%	-8.92%	-2.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.16%	-19.30%	+0.14%
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	-3.54%	-2.85%	-0.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.30%	-8.01%	+4.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	2.00%	+0.58%

Volatility

USNZ vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF (USNZ) has a higher volatility of 5.26% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) at 4.95%. This indicates that USNZ'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

	USNZ	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.26%	4.95%	+0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.08%	10.05%	+1.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.72%	12.83%	+0.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.70%	17.51%	-0.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.70%	18.32%	-1.62%

USNZ vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

USNZ has a 0.10% 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

USNZ vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

USNZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, less than VTI's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USNZ Xtrackers Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned US Equity ETF	0.98%	1.02%	1.14%	1.19%	0.80%	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 USNZ and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, USNZ 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, USNZ or VTI?

USNZ has higher volatility (5.26%) compared to VTI (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USNZ dropped -19.16% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, USNZ or VTI?

On 3-year performance, VTI leads with 20.62% vs 19.54% for USNZ. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTI has been the lower-risk option at 4.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USNZ or VTI?

Over the 3-year period, VTI has performed better with a 20.62% return vs 19.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USNZ or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for USNZ.

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.98% for USNZ.

What is the main difference between USNZ and VTI?

USNZ tracks Solactive ISS ESG United States Net Zero Pathway Enhanced Index - Benchmark TR Net, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for USNZ and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.76), 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.