HTD vs VTI
John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund 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 | HTD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $917M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.17% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.43% | +14.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.52% | +22.11% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.87% | +22.37% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.29% | +12.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
HTD vs VTI Performance
John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (HTD) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HTD returned +12.52% while VTI returned +22.11%. Year to date, HTD is up 12.43% versus a gain of 14.31% for VTI.
Over three years, HTD compounded at +18.87% per year against +22.37% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.29% and +12.40% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +3.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HTD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -75.5% for HTD 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HTD charges 1.96% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $196 vs $3 annually, a gap of $193 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HTD currently yields 7.17% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HTD and VTI share 47 holdings out of 2813 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HTD or VTI?
HTD has an expense ratio of 1.96% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $193 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HTD or VTI?
Over the past year HTD returned +12.52% vs +22.11% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), HTD annualized +3.00% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HTD or VTI?
HTD has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: HTD -75.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HTD and VTI?
HTD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HTD and VTI?
HTD and VTI share 47 common holdings with a 3.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2813 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HTD or VTI?
HTD yields 7.17% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HTD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.