DBMF vs VTI

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: DBMFMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDBMFVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.03%
AUM$2.1B$663.5B
Dividend Yield5.16%1.07%
Holdings123,543
YTD Return+12.30%+13.87%
1Y Return+28.68%+23.31%
3Y Return (annualized)+9.44%+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.20%+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)11.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-20.4%-56.6%
Fund FamilyiMGP FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMay 7, 2019May 24, 2001

DBMF vs VTI Performance

iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF) is a ETF from iMGP Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBMF returned +28.68% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, DBMF is up 12.30% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.

Over three years, DBMF compounded at +9.44% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.20% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +7.89%. 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 11.6% for DBMF. 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 -20.4% for DBMF 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 -0.15. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DBMF charges 0.85% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBMF currently yields 5.16% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DBMF and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 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, DBMF or VTI?

DBMF has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DBMF or VTI?

Over the past year DBMF returned +28.68% vs +23.31% for VTI, so DBMF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), DBMF annualized +7.89% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DBMF or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.6% for DBMF. Worst drawdown: DBMF -20.4% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both DBMF and VTI?

DBMF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.15, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DBMF and VTI?

DBMF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DBMF or VTI?

DBMF yields 5.16% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DBMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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