BKAG vs VTI
BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
BKAG has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. BKAG offers more diversification with 5,070 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BKAG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.33% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5,070 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.25% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.51% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.49% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.40% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 22, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
BKAG vs VTI Performance
BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF (BKAG) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BKAG returned +2.51% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, BKAG is down 0.25% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, BKAG compounded at +4.49% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.40% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -0.27%. 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 5.8% for BKAG. 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 -19.2% for BKAG 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BKAG charges 0.00% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BKAG currently yields 4.33% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BKAG and VTI share 1 holdings out of 4027 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BKAG | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUK | 0.00% | 0.14% | 0.14% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BKAG or VTI?
BKAG has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. BKAG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BKAG or VTI?
Over the past year BKAG returned +2.51% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BKAG annualized -0.27% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BKAG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.8% for BKAG. Worst drawdown: BKAG -19.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BKAG and VTI?
BKAG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BKAG and VTI?
BKAG and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4027 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BKAG or VTI?
BKAG yields 4.33% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BKAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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