TFI 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

MetricTFIVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.23%0.03%
AUM$3.1B$663.5B
Dividend Yield3.46%1.07%
Holdings1,8093,543
YTD Return+0.44%+14.96%
1Y Return+4.43%+22.39%
3Y Return (annualized)+2.64%+21.51%
5Y Return (annualized)-0.30%+12.36%
Volatility (annualized)5.8%15.4%
Max Drawdown-17.1%-56.6%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryTax PreferredEquity
InceptionSep 11, 2007May 24, 2001

TFI vs VTI Performance

State Street SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF (TFI) 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 TFI returned +4.43% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, TFI is up 0.44% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.

Over three years, TFI compounded at +2.64% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.30% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +0.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 5.8% for TFI. 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 -17.1% for TFI 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

TFI charges 0.23% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $3 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TFI currently yields 3.46% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

TFI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2790 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, TFI or VTI?

TFI has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.

Which performed better, TFI or VTI?

Over the past year TFI returned +4.43% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), TFI annualized +0.82% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, TFI or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 5.8% for TFI. Worst drawdown: TFI -17.1% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both TFI and VTI?

TFI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between TFI and VTI?

TFI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, TFI or VTI?

TFI yields 3.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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