BIL vs VTI
State Street SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF 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 | BIL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $47.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.82% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.49% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.33% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.41% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
BIL vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIL returned +3.49% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BIL is up 1.82% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, BIL compounded at +4.33% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.41% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +0.87%. 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 0.6% for BIL. 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 -1.2% for BIL 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIL charges 0.14% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $3 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIL currently yields 3.85% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BIL and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BIL or VTI?
BIL has an expense ratio of 0.14% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIL or VTI?
Over the past year BIL returned +3.49% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BIL annualized +0.87% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.6% for BIL. Worst drawdown: BIL -1.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BIL and VTI?
BIL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIL and VTI?
BIL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIL or VTI?
BIL yields 3.85% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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