Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. COMB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: COMBMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCOMBVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.03%
AUM$147M$663.5B
Dividend Yield7.94%1.07%
Holdings293,543
YTD Return+21.50%+14.20%
1Y Return+34.22%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.90%+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)+10.51%+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)14.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-33.5%-56.6%
Fund FamilyGraniteSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionMay 19, 2017May 24, 2001

COMB vs VTI Performance

GraniteShares Bloomberg Commodity Broad Strategy No K-1 ETF (COMB) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COMB returned +34.22% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, COMB is up 21.50% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Over three years, COMB compounded at +11.90% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.51% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.17%. 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 14.5% for COMB. 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 -33.5% for COMB 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

COMB 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, COMB currently yields 7.94% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, COMB or VTI?

COMB 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, COMB or VTI?

Over the past year COMB returned +34.22% vs +24.16% for VTI, so COMB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), COMB annualized +7.17% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, COMB or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.5% for COMB. Worst drawdown: COMB -33.5% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both COMB and VTI?

COMB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, COMB or VTI?

COMB yields 7.94% while VTI yields 1.07%, so COMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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