DIAL vs VTI
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation 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 | DIAL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $390M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.12% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 686 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.86% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.56% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.15% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.36% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 12, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
DIAL vs VTI Performance
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIAL returned +3.56% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, DIAL is up 0.86% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, DIAL compounded at +6.15% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.36% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +1.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 7.4% for DIAL. 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 -22.2% for DIAL 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIAL charges 0.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIAL currently yields 5.12% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DIAL and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3200 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DIAL | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMS | 0.03% | 0.03% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIAL or VTI?
DIAL has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIAL or VTI?
Over the past year DIAL returned +3.56% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), DIAL annualized +1.21% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIAL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 7.4% for DIAL. Worst drawdown: DIAL -22.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DIAL and VTI?
DIAL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIAL and VTI?
DIAL and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3200 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIAL or VTI?
DIAL yields 5.12% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DIAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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