BKUI vs VTI
BNY Mellon Ultra Short Income 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 | BKUI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $574M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.20% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 161 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.70% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.56% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.82% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.40% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 9, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
BKUI vs VTI Performance
BNY Mellon Ultra Short Income ETF (BKUI) 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 BKUI returned +3.56% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, BKUI is up 1.70% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, BKUI compounded at +4.82% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.40% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +3.40%. 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 1.0% for BKUI. 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 -1.7% for BKUI 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BKUI charges 0.12% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $3 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BKUI currently yields 4.20% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BKUI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2890 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, BKUI or VTI?
BKUI has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BKUI or VTI?
Over the past year BKUI returned +3.56% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BKUI annualized +3.40% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BKUI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.0% for BKUI. Worst drawdown: BKUI -1.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BKUI and VTI?
BKUI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BKUI and VTI?
BKUI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2890 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BKUI or VTI?
BKUI yields 4.20% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BKUI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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