TLH vs VTI
iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond 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 | TLH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $11.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.59% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -2.31% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.18% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.77% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.25% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
TLH vs VTI Performance
iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLH) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TLH returned +0.18% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, TLH is down 2.31% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, TLH compounded at +1.77% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -5.25% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +0.76%. 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 9.9% for TLH. 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 -42.1% for TLH 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 -0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TLH charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TLH currently yields 4.59% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TLH and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2844 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, TLH or VTI?
TLH has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TLH or VTI?
Over the past year TLH returned +0.18% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), TLH annualized +0.76% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TLH or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 9.9% for TLH. Worst drawdown: TLH -42.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TLH and VTI?
TLH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TLH and VTI?
TLH and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2844 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TLH or VTI?
TLH yields 4.59% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TLH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.