GBF vs VTI
iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. GBF offers more diversification with 3004 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GBF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $128M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.77% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3,311 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.72% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.39% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.82% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.64% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
GBF vs VTI Performance
iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF (GBF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GBF returned +1.39% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, GBF is down 0.72% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, GBF compounded at +3.82% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.64% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +0.91%. 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 4.8% for GBF. 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 -20.2% for GBF 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
GBF charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GBF currently yields 3.77% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GBF and VTI share 3 holdings out of 5784 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, GBF or VTI?
GBF has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GBF or VTI?
Over the past year GBF returned +1.39% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GBF annualized +0.91% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GBF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.8% for GBF. Worst drawdown: GBF -20.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GBF and VTI?
GBF 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 GBF and VTI?
GBF and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GBF or VTI?
GBF yields 3.77% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GBF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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