BILZ vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBILZVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.14%0.03%
AUM$989M$663.5B
Dividend Yield4.13%1.07%
Holdings73,543
YTD Return+1.84%+14.22%
1Y Return+3.48%+22.19%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.49%+21.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)0.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-0.5%-56.6%
Fund FamilyPIMCO (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJun 21, 2023May 24, 2001

BILZ vs VTI Performance

PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active Exchange-Traded Fund (BILZ) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BILZ returned +3.48% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, BILZ is up 1.84% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.

Over three years, BILZ compounded at +4.49% per year against +21.27% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +4.36%. 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 0.4% for BILZ. 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 -0.5% for BILZ 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 0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BILZ 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, BILZ currently yields 4.13% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BILZ or VTI?

BILZ 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, BILZ or VTI?

Over the past year BILZ returned +3.48% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BILZ annualized +4.36% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BILZ or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.4% for BILZ. Worst drawdown: BILZ -0.5% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both BILZ and VTI?

BILZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, BILZ or VTI?

BILZ yields 4.13% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BILZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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