BWX vs VTI
State Street SPDR Bloomberg International Treasury Bond ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BWX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.40% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,400 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.11% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.98% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.12% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.08% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
BWX vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg International Treasury Bond ETF (BWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BWX returned -1.98% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, BWX is down 1.11% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, BWX compounded at +2.12% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -4.08% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs -0.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.0% for BWX. 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 -34.9% for BWX 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BWX charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BWX currently yields 2.40% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BWX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BWX or VTI?
BWX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BWX or VTI?
Over the past year BWX returned -1.98% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BWX annualized -0.42% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BWX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.0% for BWX. Worst drawdown: BWX -34.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BWX and VTI?
BWX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BWX and VTI?
BWX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BWX or VTI?
BWX yields 2.40% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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