BDJ vs VTI
Blackrock Enhanced Equity Dividend Trust vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BDJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.39% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 307 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.68% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.85% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.48% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.23% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 26, 2005 | May 24, 2001 |
BDJ vs VTI Performance
Blackrock Enhanced Equity Dividend Trust (BDJ) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BDJ returned +22.85% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, BDJ is up 10.68% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, BDJ compounded at +16.48% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.23% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +0.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BDJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -67.3% for BDJ 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BDJ charges 0.84% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $3 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BDJ currently yields 8.39% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BDJ and VTI share 70 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BDJ or VTI?
BDJ has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BDJ or VTI?
Over the past year BDJ returned +22.85% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), BDJ annualized +0.46% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BDJ or VTI?
BDJ has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BDJ -67.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BDJ and VTI?
BDJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BDJ and VTI?
BDJ and VTI share 70 common holdings with a 19.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BDJ or VTI?
BDJ yields 8.39% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BDJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.