BILS vs VTI
State Street SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 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 | BILS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.80% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.76% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.44% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.46% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.38% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
BILS vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF (BILS) 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 BILS returned +3.44% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, BILS is up 1.76% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, BILS compounded at +4.46% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.38% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +2.86%. 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 0.7% for BILS. 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 -0.4% for BILS 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BILS 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, BILS currently yields 3.80% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BILS and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2785 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, BILS or VTI?
BILS 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, BILS or VTI?
Over the past year BILS returned +3.44% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BILS annualized +2.86% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BILS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.7% for BILS. Worst drawdown: BILS -0.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BILS and VTI?
BILS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BILS and VTI?
BILS and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BILS or VTI?
BILS yields 3.80% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BILS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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