CATF vs VTI
American Century California Municipal 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 | CATF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $82M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.57% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 304 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.27% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.90% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
CATF vs VTI Performance
American Century California Municipal Bond ETF (CATF) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CATF returned +5.90% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, CATF is up 1.27% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 4.2% for CATF. 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 -5.1% for CATF 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CATF charges 0.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CATF currently yields 3.57% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CATF and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2871 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, CATF or VTI?
CATF has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CATF or VTI?
Over the past year CATF returned +5.90% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CATF annualized +2.69% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CATF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 4.2% for CATF. Worst drawdown: CATF -5.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CATF and VTI?
CATF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CATF and VTI?
CATF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CATF or VTI?
CATF yields 3.57% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CATF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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