SRLN vs VTI

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

MetricSRLNVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.70%0.03%
AUM$5.3B$663.5B
Dividend Yield7.50%1.07%
Holdings6073,543
YTD Return+1.41%+13.87%
1Y Return+4.46%+23.31%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.12%+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.79%+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)5.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-28.4%-56.6%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionApr 3, 2013May 24, 2001

SRLN vs VTI Performance

State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (SRLN) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SRLN returned +4.46% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, SRLN is up 1.41% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.

Over three years, SRLN compounded at +7.12% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.79% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +1.24%. 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 5.2% for SRLN. 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 -28.4% for SRLN 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SRLN charges 0.70% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SRLN currently yields 7.50% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SRLN and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2809 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, SRLN or VTI?

SRLN has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SRLN or VTI?

Over the past year SRLN returned +4.46% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SRLN annualized +1.24% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SRLN or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.2% for SRLN. Worst drawdown: SRLN -28.4% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both SRLN and VTI?

SRLN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SRLN and VTI?

SRLN and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2809 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SRLN or VTI?

SRLN yields 7.50% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SRLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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