BAR vs VTI
Graniteshares Gold Trust vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.30% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.23% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.39% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.36% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
BAR vs VTI Performance
Graniteshares Gold Trust (BAR) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAR returned +29.23% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, BAR is up 0.30% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, BAR compounded at +31.39% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +19.36% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BAR has the edge at +14.06% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 15.3% for BAR. 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 -26.3% for BAR 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAR charges 0.17% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAR currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAR or VTI?
BAR has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAR or VTI?
Over the past year BAR returned +29.23% vs +22.39% for VTI, so BAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BAR annualized +14.06% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAR or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.3% for BAR. Worst drawdown: BAR -26.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BAR and VTI?
BAR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAR or VTI?
BAR yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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