ETX vs VTI

ETX vs VTI
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Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricETXVTIWinner
Expense Ratio1.86%0.03%
AUM$206M$666.9B
Dividend Yield5.18%1.07%
Holdings1263,543
YTD Return-0.08%+12.65%
1Y Return+1.41%+21.39%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.16%+21.54%
5Y Return (annualized)+0.04%+12.11%
Volatility (annualized)11.0%15.3%
Max Drawdown-32.8%-56.6%
Fund FamilyEaton VanceVanguard (US)
CategoryTax PreferredEquity
InceptionMar 26, 2013May 24, 2001

ETX vs VTI Performance

Eaton Vance Municipal Income 2028 Term Trust (ETX) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ETX returned +1.41% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, ETX is down 0.08% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.

Over three years, ETX compounded at +7.16% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.04% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +1.16%. 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 11.0% for ETX. 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 -32.8% for ETX 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ETX charges 1.86% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $186 vs $3 annually, a gap of $183 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETX currently yields 5.18% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

ETX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2836 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, ETX or VTI?

ETX has an expense ratio of 1.86% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $183 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ETX or VTI?

Over the past year ETX returned +1.41% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ETX annualized +1.16% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ETX or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.0% for ETX. Worst drawdown: ETX -32.8% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both ETX and VTI?

ETX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ETX and VTI?

ETX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2836 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ETX or VTI?

ETX yields 5.18% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ETX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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