VTI vs. ITOT

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) and ITOT (iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index while ITOT tracks the S&P Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VTI returned 14.87%/yr vs 14.83%/yr for ITOT. Their 0.98 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VTI vs. ITOT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with VTI at 14.27% and ITOT at 14.27%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VTI having a 14.87% annualized return and ITOT not far behind at 14.83%.

VTI

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: 3.27%
• 6M: 12.73%
• YTD: 14.27%
• 1Y: 24.07%
• 3Y*: 21.13%
• 5Y*: 12.31%
• 10Y*: 14.87%
• ALL TIME*: 9.72%

ITOT

• 1D: 1.86%
• 1M: 3.25%
• 6M: 12.81%
• YTD: 14.27%
• 1Y: 23.92%
• 3Y*: 21.12%
• 5Y*: 12.31%
• 10Y*: 14.83%
• ALL TIME*: 10.71%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ITOT iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF	$223.52M	$234.16M	$304.52M
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	$1.13B	$1.17B	$1.24B

VTI vs. ITOT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	14.27%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%
ITOT iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF	14.27%	17.00%	23.80%	26.12%	-19.47%	25.68%	20.71%	30.67%	-5.33%	21.37%

Correlation

The correlation between VTI and ITOT is 1.00 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2004	0.98

The correlation between VTI and ITOT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTI vs. ITOT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTI	ITOT
Technology	36.1%	36.4%
Financial Services	11.8%	11.9%
Industrials	10.2%	9.9%
Healthcare	9.7%	9.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	9.5%
Communication Services	9.1%	9.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	4.3%
Energy	3.2%	3.1%
Real Estate	2.3%	2.3%
Utilities	2.2%	2.2%
Basic Materials	1.9%	1.9%

Return for Risk

VTI vs. ITOT — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 72
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 80

ITOT

ITOT Risk / Return Rank: 72
ITOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
ITOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
ITOT Omega Ratio Rank: 69
ITOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
ITOT Martin Ratio Rank: 80

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VTI vs. ITOT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT). 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.

	VTI	ITOT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	1.83	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	2.53	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.33	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	2.70	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.68	11.58	+0.10

VTI vs. ITOT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTI Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is comparable to the ITOT Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTI and ITOT, 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

VTI vs. ITOT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTI drawdown since its inception was -55.45%, roughly equal to the maximum ITOT drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTI and ITOT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTI	ITOT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.45%	-55.20%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-8.90%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.30%	-19.44%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.36%	-25.36%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.00%	-35.00%	0.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.98%	-6.93%	-1.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	2.07%	0.00%

Volatility

VTI vs. ITOT - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT) have volatilities of 4.13% and 4.14%, 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

	VTI	ITOT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.13%	4.14%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.47%	10.49%	-0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.18%	13.20%	-0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.54%	17.50%	+0.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.32%	18.28%	+0.04%

VTI vs. ITOT - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VTI and ITOT 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

VTI vs. ITOT - Dividend Comparison

VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, more than ITOT's 0.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ITOT iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF	0.97%	1.11%	1.23%	1.47%	1.66%	1.18%	1.41%	1.88%	2.14%	1.69%	1.83%	2.01%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.02%	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 VTI and ITOT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VTI and ITOT 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, VTI or ITOT?

ITOT has higher volatility (4.14%) compared to VTI (4.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTI dropped -55.45% vs ITOT's -55.20%.

Which ETF is better, VTI or ITOT?

On 10-year performance, VTI leads with 14.87% vs 14.83% for ITOT. Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. 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, VTI or ITOT?

Over the 10-year period, VTI has performed better with a 14.87% return vs 14.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTI or ITOT?

VTI and ITOT have the same expense ratio: 0.03% per year.

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.02%, compared with 0.97% for ITOT.

What is the main difference between VTI and ITOT?

VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index, while ITOT tracks S&P Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.83), 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.