GRF vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGRFVTIWinner
Expense Ratio1.61%0.03%
AUM$40M$663.5B
Dividend Yield8.59%1.07%
Holdings263,543
YTD Return-3.09%+14.20%
1Y Return+12.84%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.47%+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.71%+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)123.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-91.1%-56.6%
Fund FamilyEagle Capital Growth Fund Inc.Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 2, 1990May 24, 2001

GRF vs VTI Performance

Eagle Capital Growth Fund Inc. (GRF) is a ETF from Eagle Capital Growth Fund Inc. and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GRF returned +12.84% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, GRF is down 3.09% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Over three years, GRF compounded at +12.47% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.71% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +1.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

GRF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 123.6% compared with 15.3% 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 -91.1% for GRF 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 0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GRF charges 1.61% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $161 vs $3 annually, a gap of $158 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GRF currently yields 8.59% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

10.5%overlap

GRF and VTI share 19 holdings out of 2786 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in GRFWeight in VTIDifference
BRK.B12.95%1.24%11.71%
MKL12.82%0.17%12.65%
GOOGL8.88%2.88%6.00%
AMZNProProPro
ITWProProPro
ORLYProProPro
AZOProProPro
SYKProProPro
SBUXProProPro
JNJProProPro
See all 10 holdings GRF shares with VTI
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GRF or VTI?

GRF has an expense ratio of 1.61% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $158 per year of difference.

Which performed better, GRF or VTI?

Over the past year GRF returned +12.84% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), GRF annualized +1.56% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, GRF or VTI?

GRF has been the more volatile fund at 123.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GRF -91.1% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both GRF and VTI?

GRF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between GRF and VTI?

GRF and VTI share 19 common holdings with a 10.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, GRF or VTI?

GRF yields 8.59% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GRF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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