KTF vs VTI
DWS Municipal Income Trust vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KTF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $353M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.22% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 244 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.77% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.82% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.44% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.49% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | DWS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 1988 | May 24, 2001 |
KTF vs VTI Performance
DWS Municipal Income Trust (KTF) is a ETF from DWS and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KTF returned +12.82% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, KTF is up 3.77% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, KTF compounded at +9.44% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.49% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -0.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.5% for KTF. 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 -60.4% for KTF 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 0.19. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
KTF and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2906 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, KTF or VTI?
Over the past year KTF returned +12.82% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), KTF annualized -0.10% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KTF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.5% for KTF. Worst drawdown: KTF -60.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KTF and VTI?
KTF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.19, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KTF and VTI?
KTF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2906 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KTF or VTI?
KTF yields 8.22% while VTI yields 1.07%, so KTF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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