HTAX 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

MetricHTAXVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.49%0.03%
AUM$58M$663.5B
Dividend Yield4.51%1.07%
Holdings2013,543
YTD Return+3.78%+14.96%
1Y Return+9.58%+22.39%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.51%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.36%
Volatility (annualized)6.1%15.4%
Max Drawdown-6.1%-56.6%
Fund FamilyNomura Asset Management Co LtdVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 5, 2025May 24, 2001

HTAX vs VTI Performance

Nomura National High-Yield Municipal Bond ETF (HTAX) is a ETF from Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HTAX returned +9.58% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, HTAX is up 3.78% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 6.1% for HTAX. 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 -6.1% for HTAX 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HTAX charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HTAX currently yields 4.51% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HTAX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2867 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, HTAX or VTI?

HTAX has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HTAX or VTI?

Over the past year HTAX returned +9.58% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HTAX annualized +3.66% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HTAX or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 6.1% for HTAX. Worst drawdown: HTAX -6.1% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both HTAX and VTI?

HTAX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HTAX and VTI?

HTAX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2867 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HTAX or VTI?

HTAX yields 4.51% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HTAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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