BTFL vs VTI

BTFL vs VTI

Which is better, BTFL or VTI?

Trading-Leveraged Equity against Large Cap Blend.

VTI has a lower expense ratio. BTFL led over the full window.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns (full window): BTFL

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

MetricBTFLVTI
Expense Ratio1.31%0.03%Best
AUM$2M$666.9B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.03%
Holdings63,543
Volatility (annualized)3486232.1%15.4%Best
Max Drawdown--35.0%
$10,000 over 11.8 years$617,822Best$37,174
Fund FamilyDefiance ETFs, LLCVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
StyleTrading-Leveraged EquityLarge Cap Blend
InceptionDec 29, 2025May 24, 2001

Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.

The two price series end 146 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. BTFL has data through Apr 24, 2026 and VTI through Sep 17, 2026.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 11.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 14, 2014 to Apr 24, 2026 (11.8 years).

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BTFL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 3486232.1% compared with 15.4% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.02. They move largely independently of each other.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BTFL charges 1.31% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $3 annually, a gap of $128 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTFL currently yields 0.00% against 1.03% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

We hold position weights for 1 holding in BTFL and 3,463 in VTI, totalling 17.2% and 98.1% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.

The two holdings books were reported 182 days apart, BTFL as of Jan 30, 2026 and VTI as of Jul 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.

0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in BTFL and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 6 and 3,543.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of BTFL and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

BTFLVTI

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BTFL or VTI?

BTFL has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $128 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, BTFL or VTI?

BTFL has been the more volatile fund at 3486232.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI.

Should I hold both BTFL and VTI?

BTFL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which pays a higher dividend, BTFL or VTI?

BTFL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is VTI better than BTFL?

VTI has a lower expense ratio. BTFL led over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.