BLES vs VTI
Inspire Global Hope 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 | BLES | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $159M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.84% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 817 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.45% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.72% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.87% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.44% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
BLES vs VTI Performance
Inspire Global Hope ETF (BLES) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BLES returned +23.72% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BLES is up 15.45% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, BLES compounded at +15.87% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.44% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BLES has the edge at +9.53% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BLES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% compared with 15.3% 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 -40.4% for BLES 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLES charges 0.58% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BLES currently yields 1.84% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BLES and VTI share 161 holdings out of 3021 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BLES or VTI?
BLES has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLES or VTI?
Over the past year BLES returned +23.72% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BLES annualized +9.53% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLES or VTI?
BLES has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BLES -40.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BLES and VTI?
BLES and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BLES and VTI?
BLES and VTI share 161 common holdings with a 9.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3021 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLES or VTI?
BLES yields 1.84% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BLES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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