VTI vs. T

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) is Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index, while T (AT&T Inc.) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, VTI returned 15.02%/yr vs 3.33%/yr for T. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

VTI vs. T - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTI achieves a 9.62% return, which is significantly higher than T's -2.96% return. Over the past 10 years, VTI has outperformed T with an annualized return of 15.02%, while T has yielded a comparatively lower 3.33% annualized return.

VTI

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 9.62%
• 6M: 9.69%
• 1Y: 24.78%
• 3Y*: 20.60%
• 5Y*: 12.20%
• 10Y*: 15.02%

T

• 1D: 2.52%
• 1M: -4.69%
• YTD: -2.96%
• 6M: -1.93%
• 1Y: -12.96%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 7.38%
• 10Y*: 3.33%

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

VTI vs. T - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	9.62%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%
T AT&T Inc.	-2.96%	13.97%	44.08%	-2.74%	5.76%	-8.09%	-21.37%	45.55%	-22.25%	-4.01%

Correlation

The correlation between VTI and T is -0.14, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.14
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.02
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2001	0.46

The correlation between VTI and T shifts across timeframes, from -0.14 (1 year) to 0.46 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VTI vs. T — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 70
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 76

T

T Risk / Return Rank: 18
T Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
T Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
T Omega Ratio Rank: 18
T Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
T Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

VTI vs. T - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and AT&T Inc. (T). 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	T	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	-0.59	+2.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	-0.72	+3.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	0.92	+0.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.79	-0.59	+3.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.52	-1.22	+13.74

VTI vs. T - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTI Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is higher than the T Sharpe Ratio of -0.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTI and T, 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. T - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTI drawdown since its inception was -55.45%, smaller than the maximum T drawdown of -64.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTI and T.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTI	T	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.45%	-64.15%	+8.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-21.87%	+12.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.30%	-21.87%	+2.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.36%	-32.01%	+6.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.00%	-42.35%	+7.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.14%	-18.12%	+15.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.02%	-15.72%	+7.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	10.64%	-8.65%

Volatility

VTI vs. T - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is 4.50%, while AT&T Inc. (T) has a volatility of 8.21%. This indicates that VTI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than T based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTI	T	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.50%	8.21%	-3.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.82%	17.80%	-7.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.64%	22.13%	-9.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.47%	24.01%	-6.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.33%	23.73%	-5.40%

Dividends

VTI vs. T - Dividend Comparison

VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than T's 4.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
T AT&T Inc.	4.71%	4.47%	4.87%	6.62%	6.66%	8.46%	7.23%	5.22%	7.01%	5.04%	4.51%	5.46%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.03%	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 T in my portfolio?

VTI and T have a correlation of -0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTI or T?

T has higher volatility (8.21%) compared to VTI (4.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTI dropped -55.45% vs T's -64.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs -0.59), 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.