VTI ETF Review 2026
An in-depth analysis of the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF, including holdings, performance comparison, and sector weights.
Sector Weightings
Performance Comparison
| Metric | VTI (Total Market) | VOO (S&P 500) | ITOT (Total Market) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| YTD Return | 1.05% | 0.67% | 1.00% |
| Div Yield | 1.11% | 1.12% | 1.10% |
| 1-Year Return | 17.04% | 16.95% | 16.88% |
| 5-Year Return | 12.68% | 14.15% | 12.66% |
Top 10 Holdings
| Symbol | Company Name | Weight |
|---|
VTI vs VOO: Which is Better?
The debate between VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) is one of the most common among index investors. While VOO tracks the 500 largest U.S. companies, VTI tracks the entire investable U.S. equity market, encompassing thousands of large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
Despite the difference in the number of holdings, their performance is historically nearly identical. This is because VTI is market-cap weighted, meaning the massive companies that make up the S&P 500 also dominate VTI (comprising roughly 80-85% of its total weight). The remaining 15-20% allocation to mid and small caps in VTI provides slightly more diversification, potentially capturing the "small-cap premium" over long horizons, but also introducing slightly more volatility.
Both funds boast incredibly low expense ratios. For most investors, choosing between the two comes down to a preference for pure large-cap exposure (VOO) versus owning the entire domestic market haystack (VTI).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VTI a good investment?
Yes, for many investors, VTI is considered an excellent core holding. It provides instant diversification across the entire U.S. stock market in a single, low-cost fund. Its incredibly low expense ratio and historically strong performance make it a staple in many long-term retirement portfolios.
Does VTI pay a dividend?
Yes, VTI pays a quarterly dividend. The yield fluctuates based on market conditions and the dividend policies of its thousands of underlying holdings, but it typically ranges between 1.3% and 1.8%. The dividends can be automatically reinvested or taken as cash.
What is the difference between VTI and VOO?
VOO tracks the S&P 500 (the 500 largest U.S. companies), while VTI tracks the total U.S. stock market (over 3,500 companies, including large, mid, and small caps). Because both are market-cap weighted, their performance is highly correlated, as the top holdings in VOO also dominate VTI.
Is VTI better than ITOT?
VTI (from Vanguard) and ITOT (from iShares) are virtually identical in purpose—both are total U.S. stock market index funds. They have similar expense ratios, track very similar indices, and have nearly identical historical returns. The choice often comes down to brand preference or which brokerage you use.
How many stocks are in VTI?
VTI holds roughly 3,700 to 4,000 different stocks, representing essentially the entire investable U.S. equity market. This massive number of holdings provides unparalleled domestic diversification compared to funds that track narrower indices.
Methodology
Data presented on this page is sourced directly from financial market APIs representing real-time or most recent closing data as of 2026. Performance metrics, expense ratios, yields, and holdings data are derived from Vanguard's published fund profiles and major market data providers. Year-to-date (YTD) calculations are based on the first trading day of the current calendar year. This analysis is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Cite This Page
Westmount Fundamentals. "VTI ETF Review 2026: Vanguard Total Stock Market Analysis." westmountfundamentals.com/vti-etf-review-2026, 2026.