VUSE vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VUSE (Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUSE is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Vident U.S. Quality Index, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VUSE returned 12.32%/yr vs 15.04%/yr for VTI. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VUSE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

VUSE vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) 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, VUSE achieves a 9.68% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 11.72% return. Over the past 10 years, VUSE has underperformed VTI with an annualized return of 12.32%, while VTI has yielded a comparatively higher 15.04% annualized return.

VUSE

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 4.35%
• YTD: 9.68%
• 6M: 9.32%
• 1Y: 18.57%
• 3Y*: 17.72%
• 5Y*: 10.98%
• 10Y*: 12.32%

VTI

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 4.59%
• YTD: 11.72%
• 6M: 11.43%
• 1Y: 28.79%
• 3Y*: 22.37%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 15.04%

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

VUSE vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VUSE Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF	9.68%	13.18%	15.77%	24.36%	-9.42%	35.46%	6.76%	20.74%	-15.25%	16.62%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	11.72%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSE 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	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2014	0.88

The correlation between VUSE and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

VUSE vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VUSE	VTI
Technology	33.1%	33.5%
Financial Services	14.1%	12.0%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	10.0%
Healthcare	9.5%	9.2%
Communication Services	9.4%	10.3%
Industrials	8.6%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	7.3%	4.7%
Basic Materials	2.7%	2.0%
Energy	2.6%	3.7%
Utilities	1.3%	2.3%
Real Estate	1.0%	2.4%

Return for Risk

VUSE vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUSE

VUSE Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VUSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VUSE Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VUSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VUSE Martin Ratio Rank: 46

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 73
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

VUSE vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) 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.

	VUSE	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	2.38	-0.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	3.24	-1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.43	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.01	3.24	-1.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.49	14.94	-7.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VUSE vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is lower than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUSE 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VUSE	VTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.48	2.38	-0.90
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63	0.74	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	0.82	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.54	0.51	+0.03

Drawdowns

VUSE vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSE drawdown since its inception was -43.92%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSE and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSE	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.92%	-55.45%	+11.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-8.92%	-0.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.93%	-19.30%	+0.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.34%	-25.36%	+4.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.92%	-35.00%	-8.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-0.26%	-0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.62%	-8.03%	+2.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	1.93%	+0.56%

Volatility

VUSE vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) have volatilities of 2.85% and 2.90%, 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

	VUSE	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.85%	2.90%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.49%	9.13%	+0.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.62%	12.17%	+0.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.46%	17.40%	+0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.21%	18.30%	+1.91%

VUSE vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSE vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

VUSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, less than VTI's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.01%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%
VUSE Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF	0.44%	0.47%	0.84%	1.15%	1.57%	1.16%	1.33%	1.61%	1.55%	1.16%	1.25%	1.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSE and VTI in my portfolio?

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

VTI has higher volatility (2.90%) compared to VUSE (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUSE dropped -43.92% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, VUSE or VTI?

On 10-year performance, VTI leads with 15.04% vs 12.32% for VUSE. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. 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, VUSE or VTI?

Over the 10-year period, VTI has performed better with a 15.04% return vs 12.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSE or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for VUSE.

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.44% for VUSE.

What is the main difference between VUSE and VTI?

VUSE is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. VUSE tracks Vident U.S. Quality Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Vident and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for VUSE and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 1.48), 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.