TBFG vs VTI
The Brinsmere Fund - Growth 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 | TBFG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $393M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.28% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.57% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Brinsmere Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 12, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
TBFG vs VTI Performance
The Brinsmere Fund - Growth ETF (TBFG) is a ETF from Brinsmere Fund and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TBFG returned +18.57% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, TBFG is up 10.28% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.3% for TBFG. 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 -14.2% for TBFG 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TBFG charges 0.46% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $3 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TBFG currently yields 2.41% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TBFG and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2811 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, TBFG or VTI?
TBFG has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TBFG or VTI?
Over the past year TBFG returned +18.57% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), TBFG annualized +13.41% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TBFG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.3% for TBFG. Worst drawdown: TBFG -14.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TBFG and VTI?
TBFG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between TBFG and VTI?
TBFG and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2811 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TBFG or VTI?
TBFG yields 2.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TBFG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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