BOXA vs VTI
Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond 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 | BOXA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.13% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.59% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.09% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
BOXA vs VTI Performance
Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BOXA returned +1.09% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, BOXA is down 0.59% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.2% for BOXA. 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 -3.2% for BOXA 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOXA charges 0.23% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $3 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOXA currently yields 0.13% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BOXA or VTI?
BOXA has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOXA or VTI?
Over the past year BOXA returned +1.09% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BOXA annualized +2.81% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOXA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.2% for BOXA. Worst drawdown: BOXA -3.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BOXA and VTI?
BOXA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOXA or VTI?
BOXA yields 0.13% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.