BYLD vs VTI
iShares Yield Optimized 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 | BYLD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.99% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.84% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.67% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.94% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 22, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
BYLD vs VTI Performance
iShares Yield Optimized Bond ETF (BYLD) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BYLD returned +3.84% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, BYLD is up 0.99% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, BYLD compounded at +6.67% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.94% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +0.98%. 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 4.6% for BYLD. 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 -15.9% for BYLD 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BYLD charges 0.13% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $3 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BYLD currently yields 5.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BYLD and VTI share 6 holdings out of 17687 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BYLD or VTI?
BYLD has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BYLD or VTI?
Over the past year BYLD returned +3.84% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BYLD annualized +0.98% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BYLD or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.6% for BYLD. Worst drawdown: BYLD -15.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BYLD and VTI?
BYLD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BYLD and VTI?
BYLD and VTI share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 17687 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BYLD or VTI?
BYLD yields 5.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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