BTAL vs VTI
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund 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 | BTAL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $294M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.92% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 402 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -14.38% | +13.86% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.57% | +20.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -11.26% | +21.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.13% | +11.90% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | AGFiQ | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
BTAL vs VTI Performance
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL) is a ETF from AGFiQ and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTAL returned -24.57% while VTI returned +20.74%. Year to date, BTAL is down 14.38% versus a gain of 13.86% for VTI.
Over three years, BTAL compounded at -11.26% per year against +21.66% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -4.13% and +11.90% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs -3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.9% for BTAL. 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 -52.7% for BTAL 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 -0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTAL charges 1.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $3 annually, a gap of $137 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTAL currently yields 2.92% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BTAL and VTI share 315 holdings out of 2871 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BTAL or VTI?
BTAL has an expense ratio of 1.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $137 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTAL or VTI?
Over the past year BTAL returned -24.57% vs +20.74% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BTAL annualized -3.69% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTAL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for BTAL. Worst drawdown: BTAL -52.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BTAL and VTI?
BTAL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BTAL and VTI?
BTAL and VTI share 315 common holdings with a 11.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTAL or VTI?
BTAL yields 2.92% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BTAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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