USTB vs VTI
VictoryShares Short-Term 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 | USTB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.56% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 922 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.97% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.00% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.04% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.60% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Victory Capital Management Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
USTB vs VTI Performance
VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF (USTB) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc. and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USTB returned +4.00% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, USTB is up 1.97% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, USTB compounded at +6.04% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.60% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +2.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.4% for USTB. 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 -5.5% for USTB 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USTB charges 0.34% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $3 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USTB currently yields 4.56% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
USTB and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2847 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, USTB or VTI?
USTB has an expense ratio of 0.34% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USTB or VTI?
Over the past year USTB returned +4.00% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), USTB annualized +2.52% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USTB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.4% for USTB. Worst drawdown: USTB -5.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both USTB and VTI?
USTB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USTB and VTI?
USTB and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2847 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USTB or VTI?
USTB yields 4.56% while VTI yields 1.07%, so USTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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