BHK vs VTI
BlackRock Core Bond Trust 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 | BHK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.68% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $677M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.61% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,627 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.57% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.42% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.49% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.44% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 30, 2001 | May 24, 2001 |
BHK vs VTI Performance
BlackRock Core Bond Trust (BHK) 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 BHK returned +2.42% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, BHK is down 0.57% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, BHK compounded at +4.49% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -3.44% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -0.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.5% for BHK. 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 -45.8% for BHK 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BHK charges 3.68% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $368 vs $3 annually, a gap of $365 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BHK currently yields 9.61% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BHK and VTI share 4 holdings out of 3846 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BHK or VTI?
BHK has an expense ratio of 3.68% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $365 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BHK or VTI?
Over the past year BHK returned +2.42% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), BHK annualized -0.26% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BHK or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.5% for BHK. Worst drawdown: BHK -45.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BHK and VTI?
BHK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BHK and VTI?
BHK and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3846 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BHK or VTI?
BHK yields 9.61% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BHK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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