BST vs VTI
BlackRock Science and Technology Trust vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BST delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BST | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.73% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +28.14% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.63% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.66% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.85% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 29, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
BST vs VTI Performance
BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (BST) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BST returned +38.63% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, BST is up 28.14% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, BST compounded at +24.66% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.85% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, BST has the edge at +12.61% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -46.6% for BST 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BST charges 1.00% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $3 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BST currently yields 7.73% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BST and VTI share 31 holdings out of 2799 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BST or VTI?
BST has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BST or VTI?
Over the past year BST returned +38.63% vs +22.19% for VTI, so BST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BST annualized +12.61% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BST or VTI?
BST has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BST -46.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BST and VTI?
BST and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BST and VTI?
BST and VTI share 31 common holdings with a 29.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BST or VTI?
BST yields 7.73% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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