BESF vs VTI
Bastion Energy ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BESF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BESF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $34M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.85% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.33% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.30% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | EA Series Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
BESF vs VTI Performance
Bastion Energy ETF (BESF) is a ETF from EA Series Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BESF returned +62.30% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, BESF is up 17.33% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BESF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -11.0% for BESF 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 -0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BESF charges 0.80% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BESF currently yields 5.85% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BESF and VTI share 14 holdings out of 2795 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BESF or VTI?
BESF has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BESF or VTI?
Over the past year BESF returned +62.30% vs +22.35% for VTI, so BESF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BESF annualized +55.91% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BESF or VTI?
BESF has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BESF -11.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BESF and VTI?
BESF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BESF and VTI?
BESF and VTI share 14 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BESF or VTI?
BESF yields 5.85% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BESF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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