BAI vs VTI
iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.41% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +31.61% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +50.00% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
BAI vs VTI Performance
iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) 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 BAI returned +50.00% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, BAI is up 31.61% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.4% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -34.1% for BAI 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAI charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAI currently yields 1.41% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BAI and VTI share 28 holdings out of 2806 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAI or VTI?
BAI has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAI or VTI?
Over the past year BAI returned +50.00% vs +21.39% for VTI, so BAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BAI annualized +38.33% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAI or VTI?
BAI has been the more volatile fund at 38.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BAI -34.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BAI and VTI?
BAI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BAI and VTI?
BAI and VTI share 28 common holdings with a 22.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAI or VTI?
BAI yields 1.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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