LEO vs VTI
BNY Mellon Strategic Municipals Inc vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LEO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $500M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.24% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 262 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.70% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.76% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.36% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.55% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 1987 | May 24, 2001 |
LEO vs VTI Performance
BNY Mellon Strategic Municipals Inc (LEO) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LEO returned +9.76% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, LEO is up 0.70% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, LEO compounded at +6.36% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -3.55% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -0.62%. 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 12.7% for LEO. 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 -58.0% for LEO 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LEO charges 0.98% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $3 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LEO currently yields 4.24% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
LEO and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2937 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, LEO or VTI?
LEO has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LEO or VTI?
Over the past year LEO returned +9.76% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), LEO annualized -0.62% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LEO or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 12.7% for LEO. Worst drawdown: LEO -58.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LEO and VTI?
LEO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LEO and VTI?
LEO and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2937 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LEO or VTI?
LEO yields 4.24% while VTI yields 1.07%, so LEO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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