BTC vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBTCVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.15%0.03%
AUM$3.8B$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings13,543
YTD Return-27.71%+14.20%
1Y Return-44.83%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)45.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-53.3%-56.6%
Fund FamilyGrayscaleVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 31, 2024May 24, 2001

BTC vs VTI Performance

Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC) is a ETF from Grayscale and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTC returned -44.83% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BTC is down 27.71% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BTC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 45.2% 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 -53.3% for BTC 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BTC charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTC currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BTC or VTI?

BTC has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BTC or VTI?

Over the past year BTC returned -44.83% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BTC annualized -0.37% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BTC or VTI?

BTC has been the more volatile fund at 45.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BTC -53.3% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both BTC and VTI?

BTC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, BTC or VTI?

BTC yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →