APLU vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAPLUVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.31%0.03%
AUM$421M$663.5B
Dividend Yield5.42%1.07%
Holdings5493,543
YTD Return-0.68%+10.14%
1Y Return+2.60%+19.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.94%
5Y Return (annualized)-+11.79%
Volatility (annualized)3.4%15.4%
Max Drawdown-3.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilyAllspring Global InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 4, 2024May 24, 2001

APLU vs VTI Performance

Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) is a ETF from Allspring Global Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year APLU returned +2.60% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, APLU is down 0.68% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 3.4% for APLU. 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 -3.2% for APLU 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

APLU charges 0.31% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $3 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APLU currently yields 5.42% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

APLU and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3030 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, APLU or VTI?

APLU has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.

Which performed better, APLU or VTI?

Over the past year APLU returned +2.60% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), APLU annualized +2.68% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, APLU or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 3.4% for APLU. Worst drawdown: APLU -3.2% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both APLU and VTI?

APLU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between APLU and VTI?

APLU and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3030 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, APLU or VTI?

APLU yields 5.42% while VTI yields 1.07%, so APLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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