NFJ vs VTI
Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. NFJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NFJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.44% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 182 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +25.46% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.13% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.89% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.02% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2005 | May 24, 2001 |
NFJ vs VTI Performance
Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund (NFJ) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NFJ returned +34.13% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, NFJ is up 25.46% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, NFJ compounded at +18.89% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.02% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs -0.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NFJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -70.3% for NFJ 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFJ charges 0.96% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $3 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFJ currently yields 7.44% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NFJ and VTI share 123 holdings out of 2817 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NFJ or VTI?
NFJ has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NFJ or VTI?
Over the past year NFJ returned +34.13% vs +21.39% for VTI, so NFJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), NFJ annualized -0.11% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NFJ or VTI?
NFJ has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NFJ -70.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NFJ and VTI?
NFJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NFJ and VTI?
NFJ and VTI share 123 common holdings with a 20.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2817 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFJ or VTI?
NFJ yields 7.44% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NFJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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