VTI vs YLD
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Principal Active High Yield ETF
Which is better, VTI or YLD?
Large Cap Blend against Allocation/Balanced.
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 | VTI | YLD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.39% |
| AUM | $666.9B | $602M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 7.31% |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 148 |
| YTD Return | +12.57%Best | +3.30% |
| 1Y Return | +17.22%Best | +3.87% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.87%Best | +8.00% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.86%Best | +4.46% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 8.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -35.0% | -30.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,514Best | $12,438 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Principal Funds |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Allocation/Balanced |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jul 8, 2015 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 9, 2015 to Sep 11, 2026 (11.2 years).
VTI vs YLD 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 11.2 years both funds cover.
VTI vs YLD Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) is an ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year VTI returned +17.22% while YLD returned +3.87%. Year to date, VTI is up 12.57% versus a gain of 3.30% for YLD.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +20.87% per year against +8.00% for YLD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.86% and +4.46% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +12.74% annualized vs +2.57%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 8.7% for YLD. 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 -35.0% for VTI and -30.3% for YLD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while YLD charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $39 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.03% against 7.31% for YLD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2,787 holdings in VTI and 109 in YLD, totalling 90.6% and 81.9% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 61 days apart, VTI as of Jun 30, 2026 and YLD as of Apr 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 2,787 positions we hold weights for in VTI and 109 in YLD, against full books of 3,543 and 148.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VTI and YLD 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, VTI or YLD?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YLD charges 0.39%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VTI or YLD?
Over the past year VTI returned +17.22% vs +3.87% for YLD, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VTI annualized +12.74% vs +2.57% for YLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VTI or YLD?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 8.7% for YLD. Worst drawdown: VTI -35.0% vs YLD -30.3%.
Should I hold both VTI and YLD?
VTI and YLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, 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, VTI or YLD?
VTI yields 1.03% while YLD yields 7.31%, so YLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is YLD better than VTI?
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.