TEI vs VTI
Templeton Emerging Markets Income Fund Inc. vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. TEI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TEI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.14% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2,711.9 | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.41% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 151 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.35% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.99% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.68% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.67% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 1993 | May 24, 2001 |
TEI vs VTI Performance
Templeton Emerging Markets Income Fund Inc. (TEI) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TEI returned +28.99% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, TEI is up 10.35% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, TEI compounded at +23.68% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.67% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +0.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TEI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -71.1% for TEI 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TEI charges 1.14% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $114 vs $3 annually, a gap of $111 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TEI currently yields 12.41% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TEI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2803 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, TEI or VTI?
TEI has an expense ratio of 1.14% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $111 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TEI or VTI?
Over the past year TEI returned +28.99% vs +23.31% for VTI, so TEI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), TEI annualized +0.40% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TEI or VTI?
TEI has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TEI -71.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TEI and VTI?
TEI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TEI and VTI?
TEI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2803 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TEI or VTI?
TEI yields 12.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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