VITSX vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VITSX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VITSX returned 15.07%/yr vs 15.14%/yr for VTI. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VITSX vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VITSX) 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, VITSX achieves a 10.72% return, which is significantly higher than VTI's 8.82% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VITSX having a 15.07% annualized return and VTI not far ahead at 15.14%.

VITSX

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 10.72%
• 6M: 9.93%
• 1Y: 27.57%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 12.88%
• 10Y*: 15.07%

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)

VITSX vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VITSX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares	10.72%	17.14%	23.25%	26.51%	-19.51%	25.74%	20.99%	30.80%	-5.18%	21.16%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.82%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VITSX and VTI is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2001	0.99

The correlation between VITSX and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

VITSX vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VITSX	VTI
Technology	37.0%	37.0%
Financial Services	11.3%	11.3%
Communication Services	9.8%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	9.7%
Industrials	9.4%	9.4%
Healthcare	9.0%	9.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	4.3%
Energy	3.3%	3.3%
Real Estate	2.3%	2.3%
Utilities	2.1%	2.1%
Basic Materials	1.9%	1.9%

Return for Risk

VITSX vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VITSX

VITSX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VITSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VITSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VITSX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VITSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VITSX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

VITSX vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VITSX) 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.

	VITSX	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	1.90	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	2.59	+0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.34	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.07	2.73	+0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.78	12.14	+1.64

VITSX vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VITSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VITSX 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

VITSX vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VITSX drawdown since its inception was -55.30%, roughly equal to the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VITSX and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VITSX	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.30%	-55.45%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-8.92%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-19.30%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.36%	-25.36%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.97%	-35.00%	+0.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-2.85%	+1.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.05%	-8.01%	-2.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	2.00%	-0.01%

Volatility

VITSX vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VITSX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) have volatilities of 4.88% and 4.95%, 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

	VITSX	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.88%	4.95%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.11%	10.05%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.80%	12.83%	-0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.46%	17.51%	-0.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.45%	18.32%	+0.13%

VITSX vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VITSX and VTI have an expense ratio of 0.03%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VITSX vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

VITSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than VTI's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VITSX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.02%	1.12%	1.27%	1.43%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.77%	2.04%	1.71%	1.93%	1.99%
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 VITSX and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VITSX 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, VITSX or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to VITSX (4.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VITSX dropped -55.30% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VITSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.90), 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.