DBC vs VTI
Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DBC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.80% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +29.12% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.83% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.58% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.15% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
DBC vs VTI Performance
Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBC returned +36.83% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, DBC is up 29.12% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, DBC compounded at +10.58% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.15% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +1.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DBC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -76.4% for DBC 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
DBC charges 0.84% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $3 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBC currently yields 2.80% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DBC and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2785 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, DBC or VTI?
DBC has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBC or VTI?
Over the past year DBC returned +36.83% vs +24.16% for VTI, so DBC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), DBC annualized +1.96% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBC or VTI?
DBC has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DBC -76.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DBC and VTI?
DBC 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 DBC and VTI?
DBC and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBC or VTI?
DBC yields 2.80% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DBC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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