BULD vs VTI
Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BULD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BULD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +42.16% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.46% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.04% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 4, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
BULD vs VTI Performance
Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF (BULD) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BULD returned +60.46% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, BULD is up 42.16% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, BULD compounded at +24.04% per year against +21.51% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, BULD has the edge at +16.67% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BULD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.6% compared with 15.4% 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 -27.6% for BULD 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
BULD charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BULD currently yields 0.79% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BULD and VTI share 20 holdings out of 2825 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BULD or VTI?
BULD has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BULD or VTI?
Over the past year BULD returned +60.46% vs +22.39% for VTI, so BULD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BULD annualized +16.67% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BULD or VTI?
BULD has been the more volatile fund at 27.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BULD -27.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BULD and VTI?
BULD 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 BULD and VTI?
BULD and VTI share 20 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2825 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BULD or VTI?
BULD yields 0.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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