VCLT vs VTI
Vanguard Long Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCLT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $9.7B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.76% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,856 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -2.13% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.03% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.79% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.88% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
VCLT vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Long Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCLT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCLT returned +0.03% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, VCLT is down 2.13% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, VCLT compounded at +5.79% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -2.88% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +1.43%. 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 10.7% for VCLT. 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 -35.1% for VCLT 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCLT charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VCLT currently yields 5.76% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VCLT and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3085 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VCLT | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNP | 0.05% | 0.22% | 0.17% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCLT or VTI?
VCLT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCLT or VTI?
Over the past year VCLT returned +0.03% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VCLT annualized +1.43% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCLT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.7% for VCLT. Worst drawdown: VCLT -35.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VCLT and VTI?
VCLT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCLT and VTI?
VCLT and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3085 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCLT or VTI?
VCLT yields 5.76% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VCLT 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.