ETB vs VTI
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund 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 | ETB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $391M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.49% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 156 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.27% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.04% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.58% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.40% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 27, 2005 | May 24, 2001 |
ETB vs VTI Performance
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund (ETB) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ETB returned +14.04% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, ETB is up 7.27% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, ETB compounded at +14.58% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.40% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +1.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ETB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 15.4% 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 -59.4% for ETB 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ETB charges 1.12% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $112 vs $3 annually, a gap of $109 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETB currently yields 7.49% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ETB and VTI share 133 holdings out of 2799 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ETB or VTI?
ETB has an expense ratio of 1.12% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $109 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ETB or VTI?
Over the past year ETB returned +14.04% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), ETB annualized +1.03% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETB or VTI?
ETB has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ETB -59.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ETB and VTI?
ETB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ETB and VTI?
ETB and VTI share 133 common holdings with a 54.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ETB or VTI?
ETB yields 7.49% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ETB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.