EVN vs VTI
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust 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 | EVN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.46% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $443M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.81% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 237 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.38% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.50% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.67% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.25% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 29, 1999 | May 24, 2001 |
EVN vs VTI Performance
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (EVN) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EVN returned +9.50% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, EVN is up 5.38% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, EVN compounded at +9.67% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.25% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -0.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EVN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -62.5% for EVN 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EVN charges 2.46% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $246 vs $3 annually, a gap of $243 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EVN currently yields 5.81% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EVN and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2886 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, EVN or VTI?
EVN has an expense ratio of 2.46% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $243 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EVN or VTI?
Over the past year EVN returned +9.50% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EVN annualized -0.14% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EVN or VTI?
EVN has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EVN -62.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EVN and VTI?
EVN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EVN and VTI?
EVN and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2886 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EVN or VTI?
EVN yields 5.81% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EVN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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