BRTR vs VTI
iShares Total Return Active ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar 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 | BRTR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $748M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.75% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,915 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.04% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.99% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
BRTR vs VTI Performance
iShares Total Return Active ETF (BRTR) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRTR returned +2.99% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, BRTR is down 0.04% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.9% for BRTR. 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 -4.7% for BRTR 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRTR charges 0.38% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRTR currently yields 4.75% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BRTR and VTI share 33 holdings out of 3267 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, BRTR or VTI?
BRTR has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRTR or VTI?
Over the past year BRTR returned +2.99% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BRTR annualized +4.73% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRTR or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.9% for BRTR. Worst drawdown: BRTR -4.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BRTR and VTI?
BRTR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRTR and VTI?
BRTR and VTI share 33 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3267 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRTR or VTI?
BRTR yields 4.75% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BRTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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