VTI vs GLD: Head-to-Head Comparison
VTI vs GLD: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPDR Gold Shares charges 0.40%. VTI holds 3,644 securities vs GLD's 1. 5-year returns: 15.20% vs 9.80%.
Last updated: April 2026
Total Market vs Gold
Quick Verdict
VTI edges out GLD with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 7.5). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | GLD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.40% |
| AUM | $430.0B | $70.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 1 |
| 1-Year Return | 25.80% | 15.50% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.20% | 9.80% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 12.80% | 6.50% |
| Beta | 1.00 | 0.10 |
| P/E Ratio | 24.5 | N/A |
VTI 5-year annualized return is 15.20% compared to GLD's 9.80%. Over 10 years, VTI returned 12.80% vs GLD's 6.50%.
View data table
| Period | VTI Return | GLD Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.90% | 4.20% |
| 1 Year | 25.80% | 15.50% |
| 3 Year | 10.20% | 8.50% |
| 5 Year | 15.20% | 9.80% |
| 10 Year | 12.80% | 6.50% |
Key Differences Between VTI and GLD
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) is a u.s. total market fund managed by Vanguard. VTI gives you exposure to the entire U.S. stock market in one fund, covering large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. With over 3,600 holdings, it is one of the most diversified U.S. equity ETFs you can buy. Beginners often choose VTI over S&P 500 funds because it includes smaller companies that have historically provided additional growth potential.
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) is a commodities - gold fund managed by State Street Global Advisors. GLD holds physical gold bars in a secure vault and each share represents a fractional ownership of that gold. It is the largest and most liquid gold ETF in the world, making it the easiest way to add gold to your portfolio. Beginners interested in gold as a hedge against inflation or economic uncertainty appreciate that GLD removes the hassle of buying, storing, and insuring physical gold yourself.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.40%), number of holdings (3,644 vs 1), and 5-year returns (15.20% vs 9.80%).
VTI vs GLD multi-factor comparison: VTI has a 0.03% expense ratio, 15.20% 5-year return, 3,644 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield. GLD has 0.40% expense ratio, 9.80% 5-year return, 1 holdings, 0.10 beta, and 0.00% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VTI | GLD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.40% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.20% | 9.80% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 1 |
| Beta | 1.00 | 0.10 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 0.00% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
VTI and GLD share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
VTI and GLD share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). VTI has 3,644 total holdings and GLD has 1.
View data table
| Metric | VTI | GLD |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 3,644 | 1 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VTI
Fee cost: $258
GLD
Fee cost: $3,334
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $3,076 on a $10,000 investment. VTI saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, VTI (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351 while GLD (0.40% fee) grows to $43,276. The fee difference costs $3,075.
View data table
| Year | VTI Value | GLD Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,673 | $14,423 |
| 10 | $21,529 | $20,803 |
| 15 | $31,590 | $30,004 |
| 20 | $46,351 | $43,276 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose VTI if: You want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, beginners building a simple two-fund or three-fund portfolio, long-term investors who want small-cap exposure alongside large-caps. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Choose GLD if: You want investors seeking a hedge against inflation, currency risk, or geopolitical uncertainty, those who want physical gold exposure without the logistics of buying and storing it, portfolio diversifiers looking for an asset with low correlation to traditional stocks and bonds. It's managed by State Street Global Advisors with an expense ratio of 0.40%.
Can You Own Both VTI and GLD?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, VTI and GLD complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy VTI or GLD?▾
VTI edges out GLD with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 7.5). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. VTI is best for investors who want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, while GLD is better suited for investors seeking a hedge against inflation, currency risk, or geopolitical uncertainty.
What is the difference between VTI and GLD?▾
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) tracks u.s. total market investments with 3,644 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) focuses on commodities - gold with 1 holdings at 0.40%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both VTI and GLD?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, VTI and GLD complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.