BELT vs VTI
iShares US Select Equity Active ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BELT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.04% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.13% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
BELT vs VTI Performance
iShares US Select Equity Active ETF (BELT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BELT returned +21.13% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, BELT is up 18.04% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BELT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -23.1% for BELT 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BELT charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BELT currently yields 0.02% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BELT and VTI share 16 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BELT or VTI?
BELT has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BELT or VTI?
Over the past year BELT returned +21.13% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BELT annualized +13.53% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BELT or VTI?
BELT has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BELT -23.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BELT and VTI?
BELT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BELT and VTI?
BELT and VTI share 16 common holdings with a 17.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BELT or VTI?
BELT yields 0.02% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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