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

MetricLDRTVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.07%0.03%
AUM$207M$663.5B
Dividend Yield3.79%1.07%
Holdings1803,543
YTD Return+0.34%+14.20%
1Y Return+2.44%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)1.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-1.4%-56.6%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionNov 7, 2024May 24, 2001

LDRT vs VTI Performance

iShares iBonds 1-5 Year Treasury Ladder ETF (LDRT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LDRT returned +2.44% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, LDRT is up 0.34% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.7% for LDRT. 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 -1.4% for LDRT 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

LDRT charges 0.07% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LDRT currently yields 3.79% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

LDRT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 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, LDRT or VTI?

LDRT has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.

Which performed better, LDRT or VTI?

Over the past year LDRT returned +2.44% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LDRT annualized +3.67% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, LDRT or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.7% for LDRT. Worst drawdown: LDRT -1.4% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both LDRT and VTI?

LDRT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between LDRT and VTI?

LDRT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, LDRT or VTI?

LDRT yields 3.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so LDRT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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