DTF vs VTI
DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund Inc vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DTF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.27% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $84M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.24% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.35% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.95% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.97% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.51% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 1991 | May 24, 2001 |
DTF vs VTI Performance
DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund Inc (DTF) is a ETF from Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DTF returned +5.95% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, DTF is up 3.35% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, DTF compounded at +5.97% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.51% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -0.34%. 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 10.2% for DTF. 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 -48.4% for DTF 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DTF charges 2.27% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $227 vs $3 annually, a gap of $224 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DTF currently yields 3.24% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DTF and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2807 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, DTF or VTI?
DTF has an expense ratio of 2.27% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $224 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DTF or VTI?
Over the past year DTF returned +5.95% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), DTF annualized -0.34% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DTF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.2% for DTF. Worst drawdown: DTF -48.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DTF and VTI?
DTF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DTF and VTI?
DTF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2807 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DTF or VTI?
DTF yields 3.24% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DTF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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