JNK vs VTI
State Street SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF 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 | JNK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.7B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.65% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,231 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.58% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.76% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.39% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.62% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
JNK vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF (JNK) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JNK returned +5.76% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, JNK is up 2.58% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, JNK compounded at +8.39% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.62% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -0.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 10.9% for JNK. 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 -46.2% for JNK 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JNK charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JNK currently yields 6.65% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JNK or VTI?
JNK has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JNK or VTI?
Over the past year JNK returned +5.76% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), JNK annualized -0.40% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JNK or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 10.9% for JNK. Worst drawdown: JNK -46.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JNK and VTI?
JNK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JNK and VTI?
JNK and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2828 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JNK or VTI?
JNK yields 6.65% while VTI yields 1.07%, so JNK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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