AGZ vs VTI
iShares Agency Bond ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $569M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.72% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.43% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.72% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.41% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.04% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
AGZ vs VTI Performance
iShares Agency Bond ETF (AGZ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AGZ returned +2.72% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, AGZ is up 0.43% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, AGZ compounded at +4.41% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.04% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +1.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.7% for AGZ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -12.1% for AGZ and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGZ charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGZ currently yields 3.72% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AGZ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2873 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGZ or VTI?
AGZ has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AGZ or VTI?
Over the past year AGZ returned +2.72% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), AGZ annualized +1.18% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGZ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.7% for AGZ. Worst drawdown: AGZ -12.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AGZ and VTI?
AGZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGZ and VTI?
AGZ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2873 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGZ or VTI?
AGZ yields 3.72% while VTI yields 1.07%, so AGZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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