TBLU vs VTI
Tortoise Global Water Fund 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 | TBLU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $57M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.44% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.78% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.68% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.59% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.66% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Tortoise Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
TBLU vs VTI Performance
Tortoise Global Water Fund (TBLU) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TBLU returned -0.68% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, TBLU is up 2.78% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, TBLU compounded at +10.59% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.66% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, TBLU has the edge at +9.20% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TBLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -37.6% for TBLU 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TBLU charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TBLU currently yields 3.44% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TBLU and VTI share 29 holdings out of 2815 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TBLU or VTI?
TBLU has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TBLU or VTI?
Over the past year TBLU returned -0.68% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), TBLU annualized +9.20% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TBLU or VTI?
TBLU has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TBLU -37.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TBLU and VTI?
TBLU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TBLU and VTI?
TBLU and VTI share 29 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2815 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TBLU or VTI?
TBLU yields 3.44% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TBLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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