BUSA vs VTI
Brandes US Value ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BUSA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUSA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $311M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.10% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.21% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Brandes Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
BUSA vs VTI Performance
Brandes US Value ETF (BUSA) is a ETF from Brandes Investment Partners and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUSA returned +24.21% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, BUSA is up 14.10% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 12.3% for BUSA. 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 -14.2% for BUSA 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUSA charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUSA currently yields 1.46% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BUSA and VTI share 57 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUSA or VTI?
BUSA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUSA or VTI?
Over the past year BUSA returned +24.21% vs +22.39% for VTI, so BUSA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BUSA annualized +19.88% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUSA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 12.3% for BUSA. Worst drawdown: BUSA -14.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BUSA and VTI?
BUSA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUSA and VTI?
BUSA and VTI share 57 common holdings with a 9.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUSA or VTI?
BUSA yields 1.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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