VABS vs VTI
Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, VABS or VTI?
Short Term Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VABS | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $112M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.88% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 162 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +2.17% | +11.65%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.48% | +17.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.99% | +20.35%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.28% | +11.72%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.1%Best | 15.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -7.1%Best | -25.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,751 | $17,404Best |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Short Term Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 10, 2021 to Sep 10, 2026 (5.6 years).
VABS vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.6 years both funds cover.
VABS vs VTI Performance
Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) is an ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VABS returned +2.48% while VTI returned +17.34%. Year to date, VABS is up 2.17% versus a gain of 11.65% for VTI.
Over three years, VABS compounded at +5.99% per year against +20.35% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.28% and +11.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +12.78% annualized vs +3.12%.
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 2.1% for VABS. 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 -7.1% for VABS and -25.4% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.39. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VABS charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VABS currently yields 4.88% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VABS and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VABS or VTI?
VABS has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VABS or VTI?
Over the past year VABS returned +2.48% vs +17.34% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VABS annualized +3.12% vs +12.78% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VABS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 2.1% for VABS. Worst drawdown: VABS -7.1% vs VTI -25.4%.
Should I hold both VABS and VTI?
VABS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VABS or VTI?
VABS yields 4.88% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VABS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than VABS?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.