TPLS vs VTI
Thornburg Core Plus 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 | TPLS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.30% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 337 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.40% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.78% | +20.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Thornburg Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
TPLS vs VTI Performance
Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) is a ETF from Thornburg Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TPLS returned +2.78% while VTI returned +20.82%. Year to date, TPLS is up 0.40% versus a gain of 13.12% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.6% for TPLS. 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 -3.0% for TPLS 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TPLS charges 0.45% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TPLS currently yields 5.30% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TPLS and VTI share 6 holdings out of 2981 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TPLS or VTI?
TPLS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TPLS or VTI?
Over the past year TPLS returned +2.78% vs +20.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), TPLS annualized +4.08% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TPLS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.6% for TPLS. Worst drawdown: TPLS -3.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TPLS and VTI?
TPLS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TPLS and VTI?
TPLS and VTI share 6 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2981 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TPLS or VTI?
TPLS yields 5.30% while VTI yields 1.07%, so TPLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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