BKSE vs VTI
BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity 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 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BKSE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $87M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 603 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -59.56% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | -56.53% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -18.08% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.35% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.5% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
BKSE vs VTI Performance
BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BKSE returned -56.53% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, BKSE is down 59.56% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, BKSE compounded at -18.08% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -12.35% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -1.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BKSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.5% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -67.3% for BKSE 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BKSE charges 0.04% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BKSE currently yields 0.37% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BKSE and VTI share 448 holdings out of 2925 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BKSE or VTI?
BKSE has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BKSE or VTI?
Over the past year BKSE returned -56.53% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BKSE annualized -1.57% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BKSE or VTI?
BKSE has been the more volatile fund at 33.5% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BKSE -67.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BKSE and VTI?
BKSE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BKSE and VTI?
BKSE and VTI share 448 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2925 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BKSE or VTI?
BKSE yields 0.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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