VNSE vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VNSE (Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - VNSE tracks the Actively Managed while VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VNSE returned 9.96%/yr vs 11.90%/yr for VTI. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VNSE charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

VNSE vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (VNSE) 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, VNSE achieves a 6.39% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 8.82% return.

VNSE

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: -1.04%
• YTD: 6.39%
• 6M: 5.77%
• 1Y: 18.58%
• 3Y*: 12.67%
• 5Y*: 9.96%
• 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)

VNSE vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VNSE Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF	6.39%	13.72%	10.19%	22.52%	-16.74%	39.90%	11.14%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.82%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	13.98%

Correlation

The correlation between VNSE and VTI is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 17, 2020	0.93

The correlation between VNSE and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

VNSE vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VNSE	VTI
Technology	30.4%	37.0%
Industrials	17.3%	9.4%
Financial Services	12.4%	11.3%
Communication Services	9.4%	9.8%
Healthcare	9.2%	9.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	9.7%
Basic Materials	6.1%	1.9%
Energy	5.0%	3.3%
Utilities	2.5%	2.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.3%
Real Estate	-	2.3%

Return for Risk

VNSE vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VNSE

VNSE Risk / Return Rank: 39
VNSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
VNSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VNSE Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VNSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
VNSE Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

VNSE vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VNSE	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.30	1.90	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	2.59	-0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.34	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.57	2.73	-1.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.24	12.14	-5.90

VNSE vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VNSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.30, which is lower than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VNSE 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

VNSE vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VNSE drawdown since its inception was -24.21%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VNSE and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VNSE	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.21%	-55.45%	+31.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.89%	-8.92%	-2.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.91%	-19.30%	-1.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.21%	-25.36%	+1.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.33%	-2.85%	-0.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.49%	-8.01%	+2.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	2.00%	+0.98%

Volatility

VNSE vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (VNSE) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) have volatilities of 5.15% 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

	VNSE	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.15%	4.95%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.40%	10.05%	+1.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.37%	12.83%	+1.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.30%	17.51%	-0.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.18%	18.32%	-1.14%

VNSE vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VNSE has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

VNSE vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

VNSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.20%, less than VTI's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VNSE Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF	0.20%	0.21%	0.00%	0.21%	7.01%	19.65%	0.06%	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 VNSE and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VNSE 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, VNSE or VTI?

VNSE has higher volatility (5.15%) compared to VTI (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VNSE dropped -24.21% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, VNSE or VTI?

On 5-year performance, VTI leads with 11.90% vs 9.96% for VNSE. 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, VNSE or VTI?

Over the 5-year period, VTI has performed better with a 11.90% return vs 9.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VNSE or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for VNSE.

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.20% for VNSE.

What is the main difference between VNSE and VTI?

VNSE tracks Actively Managed, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Natixis and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for VNSE and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.30), 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.