GVI vs VTI
iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. GVI offers more diversification with 6,117 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GVI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.64% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6,117 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.89% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.10% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.84% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.42% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
GVI vs VTI Performance
iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF (GVI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GVI returned -0.10% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GVI is down 1.89% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GVI compounded at +3.84% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.42% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +2.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GVI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.2% 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 -39.1% for GVI 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 0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GVI 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, GVI currently yields 3.64% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GVI and VTI share 4 holdings out of 4944 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, GVI or VTI?
GVI 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, GVI or VTI?
Over the past year GVI returned -0.10% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GVI annualized +2.74% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GVI or VTI?
GVI has been the more volatile fund at 25.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GVI -39.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GVI and VTI?
GVI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GVI and VTI?
GVI and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4944 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GVI or VTI?
GVI yields 3.64% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GVI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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