BGR vs VTI
BlackRock Energy and Resources Trust vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BGR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BGR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.11% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $473M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.42% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +27.08% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.26% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.73% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 23, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
BGR vs VTI Performance
BlackRock Energy and Resources Trust (BGR) 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 BGR returned +35.26% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, BGR is up 27.08% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, BGR compounded at +18.73% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +21.67% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -0.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.6% compared with 15.4% 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 -87.7% for BGR 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGR 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, BGR currently yields 6.42% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BGR and VTI share 14 holdings out of 2803 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BGR or VTI?
BGR 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, BGR or VTI?
Over the past year BGR returned +35.26% vs +22.43% for VTI, so BGR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), BGR annualized -0.18% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGR or VTI?
BGR has been the more volatile fund at 25.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BGR -87.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BGR and VTI?
BGR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BGR and VTI?
BGR and VTI share 14 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2803 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGR or VTI?
BGR yields 6.42% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BGR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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