VTI vs VWO: Head-to-Head Comparison
VTI vs VWO: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF charges 0.08%. VTI holds 3,644 securities vs VWO's 5,830. 5-year returns: 15.20% vs 3.20%.
Last updated: April 2026
US vs Emerging
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | VWO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% |
| AUM | $430.0B | $75.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 3.20% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 5,830 |
| 1-Year Return | 25.80% | 7.20% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.20% | 3.20% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 12.80% | 3.50% |
| Beta | 1.00 | 0.88 |
| P/E Ratio | 24.5 | 14.5 |
VTI 5-year annualized return is 15.20% compared to VWO's 3.20%. Over 10 years, VTI returned 12.80% vs VWO's 3.50%.
View data table
| Period | VTI Return | VWO Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.90% | 1.50% |
| 1 Year | 25.80% | 7.20% |
| 3 Year | 10.20% | -0.80% |
| 5 Year | 15.20% | 3.20% |
| 10 Year | 12.80% | 3.50% |
Key Differences Between VTI and VWO
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.
VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) is a emerging markets fund managed by Vanguard. VWO gives investors access to stocks in emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil, Taiwan, and South Africa. These countries have younger populations and faster economic growth potential than developed nations. Beginners should know that emerging markets can be more volatile than developed markets, but VWO offers this higher-growth exposure at a very low cost of 0.08%.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.08%), number of holdings (3,644 vs 5,830), and 5-year returns (15.20% vs 3.20%).
VTI vs VWO 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. VWO has 0.08% expense ratio, 3.20% 5-year return, 5,830 holdings, 0.88 beta, and 3.20% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VTI | VWO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.20% | 3.20% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 5,830 |
| Beta | 1.00 | 0.88 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 3.20% |
Want the full framework? This 2-hour ETF course teaches you exactly how to pick, buy, and hold profitable ETFs — from zero to confident investor. Under $15.
Ready to invest? Open an IBKR account in 10 minutes and get free stock. $0 commissions on US ETFs • Fractional shares from $1 • 150+ global markets.
Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
VTI and VWO share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
VTI and VWO share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). VTI has 3,644 total holdings and VWO has 5,830.
View data table
| Metric | VTI | VWO |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 3,644 | 5,830 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VTI
Fee cost: $258
VWO
Fee cost: $686
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $428 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 VWO (0.08% fee) grows to $45,924. The fee difference costs $427.
View data table
| Year | VTI Value | VWO Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,673 | $14,639 |
| 10 | $21,529 | $21,430 |
| 15 | $31,590 | $31,371 |
| 20 | $46,351 | $45,924 |
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 VWO if: You want long-term investors who want exposure to the world's fastest-growing economies, those building a globally diversified portfolio who want to pair vwo with vea for full international coverage, contrarian investors who believe emerging markets are undervalued relative to u.s. stocks. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.08%.
Can You Own Both VTI and VWO?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, VTI and VWO 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 VWO?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. 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 VWO is better suited for long-term investors who want exposure to the world's fastest-growing economies.
What is the difference between VTI and VWO?▾
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) tracks u.s. total market investments with 3,644 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) focuses on emerging markets with 5,830 holdings at 0.08%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both VTI and VWO?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, VTI and VWO complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.