BAR vs VTI
Graniteshares Gold Trust vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, BAR or VTI?
Gold against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BAR 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 | BAR | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $1.4B | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 1 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | -1.41% | +11.06%Best |
| 1Y Return | +15.64%Best | +15.41% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.12%Best | +20.48% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.30%Best | +11.52% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5%Best | 16.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3%Best | -35.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $24,166Best | $17,249 |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Gold | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 31, 2017 to Sep 16, 2026 (9 years).
BAR 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 9 years both funds cover.
BAR vs VTI Performance
Graniteshares Gold Trust (BAR) is an ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAR returned +15.64% while VTI returned +15.41%. Year to date, BAR is down 1.41% versus a gain of 11.06% for VTI.
Over three years, BAR compounded at +30.12% per year against +20.48% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +19.30% and +11.52% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BAR has the edge at +13.69% annualized vs +13.55%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% compared with 15.5% 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 -35.0% 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 0.13. They move largely independently of each other.
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 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BAR 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, BAR or VTI?
BAR has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $14 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BAR or VTI?
Over the past year BAR returned +15.64% vs +15.41% for VTI, so BAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BAR annualized +13.69% vs +13.55% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BAR or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.5% for BAR. Worst drawdown: BAR -26.3% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both BAR and VTI?
BAR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, 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, BAR or VTI?
BAR yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than BAR?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BAR 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.