SABA vs VTI
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund II 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 | SABA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.71% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $255M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.41% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 740 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.02% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.22% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.65% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.48% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Saba Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 17, 1988 | May 24, 2001 |
SABA vs VTI Performance
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund II (SABA) is a ETF from Saba Capital and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SABA returned -2.22% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, SABA is up 5.02% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, SABA compounded at +9.65% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.48% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs -0.19%. 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 13.2% for SABA. 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 -62.0% for SABA 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SABA charges 0.71% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $71 vs $3 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SABA currently yields 8.41% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SABA and VTI share 152 holdings out of 3010 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SABA or VTI?
SABA has an expense ratio of 0.71% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SABA or VTI?
Over the past year SABA returned -2.22% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), SABA annualized -0.19% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SABA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.2% for SABA. Worst drawdown: SABA -62.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SABA and VTI?
SABA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SABA and VTI?
SABA and VTI share 152 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3010 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SABA or VTI?
SABA yields 8.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SABA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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