VTI vs YLD
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs Principal Active High Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | YLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $580M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 7.26% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 148 | |
| YTD Return | +14.96% | +3.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.39% | +5.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.51% | +8.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.36% | +4.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 8.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -30.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Principal Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jul 8, 2015 |
VTI vs YLD Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% while YLD returned +5.05%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.96% versus a gain of 3.46% for YLD.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.51% per year against +8.25% for YLD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.36% and +4.58% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +2.60%. 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 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 -56.6% for VTI and -30.3% for YLD. 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 0.83. 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 1.07% against 7.26% for YLD.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and YLD share 0 holdings out of 2892 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, VTI or YLD?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YLD charges 0.39%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or YLD?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% vs +5.05% for YLD, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +2.60% for YLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or YLD?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 8.7% for YLD. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs YLD -30.3%.
Should I hold both VTI and YLD?
VTI and YLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and YLD?
VTI and YLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2892 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or YLD?
VTI yields 1.07% while YLD yields 7.26%, so YLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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