DBO vs VTI

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: DBOMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDBOVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.75%0.03%
AUM$275M$663.5B
Dividend Yield2.45%1.07%
Holdings53,543
YTD Return+72.47%+14.22%
1Y Return+63.81%+22.19%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.76%+21.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.83%+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)30.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-90.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionJan 5, 2007May 24, 2001

DBO vs VTI Performance

Invesco DB Oil Fund (DBO) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBO returned +63.81% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, DBO is up 72.47% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.

Over three years, DBO compounded at +11.76% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.83% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +0.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DBO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.5% 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 -90.2% for DBO 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DBO charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBO currently yields 2.45% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DBO 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, DBO or VTI?

DBO has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DBO or VTI?

Over the past year DBO returned +63.81% vs +22.19% for VTI, so DBO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DBO annualized +0.08% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DBO or VTI?

DBO has been the more volatile fund at 30.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DBO -90.2% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both DBO and VTI?

DBO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DBO and VTI?

DBO and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DBO or VTI?

DBO yields 2.45% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DBO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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