BCV vs VTI
Bancroft Fund Ltd vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BCV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BCV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.11% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $177M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.46% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.95% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.43% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.36% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.33% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 1971 | May 24, 2001 |
BCV vs VTI Performance
Bancroft Fund Ltd (BCV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BCV returned +30.43% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, BCV is up 14.95% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, BCV compounded at +20.36% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.33% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +2.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BCV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -99.4% for BCV 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BCV charges 1.11% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $111 vs $3 annually, a gap of $108 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BCV currently yields 3.46% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BCV and VTI share 5 holdings out of 2809 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BCV or VTI?
BCV has an expense ratio of 1.11% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $108 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BCV or VTI?
Over the past year BCV returned +30.43% vs +23.62% for VTI, so BCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), BCV annualized +2.66% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BCV or VTI?
BCV has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BCV -99.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BCV and VTI?
BCV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BCV and VTI?
BCV and VTI share 5 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2809 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BCV or VTI?
BCV yields 3.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BCV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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