BALI vs VTI
iShares US Large Cap Premium Income Active 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 | BALI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.87% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 201 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.73% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.91% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.56% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
BALI vs VTI Performance
iShares US Large Cap Premium Income Active ETF (BALI) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BALI returned +18.91% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, BALI is up 11.73% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, BALI compounded at +20.56% per year against +21.54% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, BALI has the edge at +20.56% annualized vs +8.07%. 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 10.3% for BALI. 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 -16.6% for BALI 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BALI charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BALI currently yields 7.87% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BALI and VTI share 166 holdings out of 2820 unique holdings combined, representing a 56.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BALI or VTI?
BALI has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BALI or VTI?
Over the past year BALI returned +18.91% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BALI annualized +20.56% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BALI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.3% for BALI. Worst drawdown: BALI -16.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BALI and VTI?
BALI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BALI and VTI?
BALI and VTI share 166 common holdings with a 56.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2820 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BALI or VTI?
BALI yields 7.87% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BALI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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