BALT vs VTI
Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, BALT or VTI?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BALT | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $2.9B | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 12 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +3.82% | +12.30%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.32% | +16.08%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.53% | +21.01%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.23% | +12.36%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6%Best | 15.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -4.9%Best | -25.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,528 | $17,908Best |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 1, 2021 to Sep 18, 2026 (5.2 years).
BALT vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.2 years both funds cover.
BALT vs VTI Performance
Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BALT returned +6.32% while VTI returned +16.08%. Year to date, BALT is up 3.82% versus a gain of 12.30% for VTI.
Over three years, BALT compounded at +7.53% per year against +21.01% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.23% and +12.36% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 2.6% for BALT. 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 -4.9% for BALT and -25.4% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BALT charges 0.69% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BALT currently yields 0.00% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BALT and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BALT or VTI?
BALT has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $66 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BALT or VTI?
Over the past year BALT returned +6.32% vs +16.08% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BALT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 2.6% for BALT. Worst drawdown: BALT -4.9% vs VTI -25.4%.
Should I hold both BALT and VTI?
BALT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BALT or VTI?
BALT yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than BALT?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.