MULT vs VTI
Franklin Multisector Income 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 | MULT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.83% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 338 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.31% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.40% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 26, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
MULT vs VTI Performance
Franklin Multisector Income ETF (MULT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MULT returned +3.40% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, MULT is up 1.31% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.9% for MULT. 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 -1.7% for MULT 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MULT charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MULT currently yields 3.83% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MULT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2975 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, MULT or VTI?
MULT has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MULT or VTI?
Over the past year MULT returned +3.40% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MULT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.9% for MULT. Worst drawdown: MULT -1.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MULT and VTI?
MULT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MULT and VTI?
MULT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2975 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MULT or VTI?
MULT yields 3.83% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MULT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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