BSTZ vs VTI
BlackRock Science and Technology Term Trust vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BSTZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSTZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.94% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 75 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +38.92% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.71% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.58% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.58% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
BSTZ vs VTI Performance
BlackRock Science and Technology Term Trust (BSTZ) 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 BSTZ returned +63.71% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, BSTZ is up 38.92% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, BSTZ compounded at +34.58% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.58% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BSTZ has the edge at +15.00% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BSTZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.8% 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 -59.3% for BSTZ 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSTZ charges 1.05% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $3 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSTZ currently yields 7.94% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BSTZ and VTI share 33 holdings out of 2809 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSTZ or VTI?
BSTZ has an expense ratio of 1.05% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $102 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSTZ or VTI?
Over the past year BSTZ returned +63.71% vs +22.35% for VTI, so BSTZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BSTZ annualized +15.00% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSTZ or VTI?
BSTZ has been the more volatile fund at 28.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BSTZ -59.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BSTZ and VTI?
BSTZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSTZ and VTI?
BSTZ and VTI share 33 common holdings with a 11.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2809 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSTZ or VTI?
BSTZ yields 7.94% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BSTZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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