VTI vs. USPX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) and USPX (Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index while USPX tracks the Morningstar US Target Market Exposure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VTI returned 15.38%/yr vs 12.58%/yr for USPX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VTI vs. USPX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTI achieves a 8.90% return, which is significantly higher than USPX's 7.76% return. Over the past 10 years, VTI has outperformed USPX with an annualized return of 15.38%, while USPX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.58% annualized return.

VTI

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: -1.48%
• YTD: 8.90%
• 6M: 7.43%
• 1Y: 23.02%
• 3Y*: 20.80%
• 5Y*: 11.83%
• 10Y*: 15.38%

USPX

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: -1.99%
• YTD: 7.76%
• 6M: 6.35%
• 1Y: 21.62%
• 3Y*: 20.71%
• 5Y*: 11.78%
• 10Y*: 12.58%

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

VTI vs. USPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.90%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	7.76%	17.78%	24.97%	27.07%	-18.88%	19.53%	9.72%	26.60%	-7.78%	23.80%

Correlation

The correlation between VTI and USPX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 3, 2016	0.86

The correlation between VTI and USPX shifts across timeframes, from 0.86 (all time) to 0.98 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VTI vs. USPX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTI	USPX
Technology	37.0%	37.7%
Financial Services	11.3%	11.6%
Communication Services	9.8%	10.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	9.5%
Industrials	9.4%	8.0%
Healthcare	9.0%	8.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	4.6%
Energy	3.3%	3.3%
Real Estate	2.3%	1.8%
Utilities	2.1%	2.5%
Basic Materials	1.9%	1.7%

Return for Risk

VTI vs. USPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 64
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 71

USPX

USPX Risk / Return Rank: 58
USPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
USPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
USPX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
USPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
USPX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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. USPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX). 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	USPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.71	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.36	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.31	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	2.37	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.45	10.32	+1.13

VTI vs. USPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTI Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the USPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTI and USPX, 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. USPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTI drawdown since its inception was -55.45%, which is greater than USPX's maximum drawdown of -31.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTI and USPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTI	USPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.45%	-31.21%	-24.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-9.15%	+0.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.30%	-19.21%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.36%	-24.60%	-0.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.00%	-31.21%	-3.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.77%	-3.34%	+0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.01%	-4.43%	-3.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.02%	2.10%	-0.08%

Volatility

VTI vs. USPX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) have volatilities of 4.86% and 4.81%, 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	USPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	4.81%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.00%	10.03%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.75%	12.66%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.50%	16.28%	+1.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.31%	15.95%	+2.36%

VTI vs. USPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VTI and USPX 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. USPX - Dividend Comparison

VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, more than USPX's 0.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	0.83%	1.07%	1.23%	1.35%	2.21%	2.40%	2.51%	3.07%	2.91%	2.60%	4.89%	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 VTI and USPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VTI and USPX 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 USPX?

VTI has higher volatility (4.86%) compared to USPX (4.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTI dropped -55.45% vs USPX's -31.21%.

Which ETF is better, VTI or USPX?

On 10-year performance, VTI leads with 15.38% vs 12.58% for USPX. 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 USPX?

Over the 10-year period, VTI has performed better with a 15.38% return vs 12.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTI or USPX?

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

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.83% for USPX.

What is the main difference between VTI and USPX?

VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index, while USPX tracks Morningstar US Target Market Exposure Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Franklin Templeton.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.71), 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.