BTAL vs VTI
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, BTAL or VTI?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.64, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BTAL | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $380M | $689.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 1.06% |
| Holdings | 877 | 3,542 |
| YTD Return | -6.12% | +10.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | -8.82% | +11.60%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -10.93% | +20.95%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.82% | +10.57%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,123 | $16,527Best |
| Fund Family | AGFiQ | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 13, 2011 to Nov 10, 2026 (15.2 years).
BTAL vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
BTAL vs VTI Performance
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL) is an ETF from AGFiQ and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTAL returned -8.82% while VTI returned +11.60%. Year to date, BTAL is down 6.12% versus a gain of 10.82% for VTI.
Over three years, BTAL compounded at -10.93% per year against +20.95% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.82% and +10.57% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.27% annualized vs -3.05%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BTAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 14.5% 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 -52.7% for BTAL and -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.64. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
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 2.71% against 1.06% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BTAL and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $137 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BTAL or VTI?
Over the past year BTAL returned -8.82% vs +11.60% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BTAL annualized -3.05% vs +13.27% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BTAL or VTI?
BTAL has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.5% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BTAL -52.7% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both BTAL and VTI?
BTAL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.64, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTAL or VTI?
BTAL yields 2.71% while VTI yields 1.06%, so BTAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than BTAL?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.64, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.