BAFE vs VTI
BAFE vs VTI
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market 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 | BAFE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.28% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.94% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.25% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Brown Advisory | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
BAFE vs VTI Performance
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF (BAFE) is a ETF from Brown Advisory and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAFE returned +17.25% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BAFE is up 10.94% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.8% for BAFE. 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 -18.4% for BAFE 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAFE charges 0.54% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $3 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAFE currently yields 0.28% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BAFE and VTI share 35 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BAFE | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 3.22% | 6.32% | 3.10% |
| MSFT | 5.04% | 3.81% | 1.23% |
| AAPL | 1.97% | 5.84% | 3.87% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BAFE shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAFE or VTI?
BAFE has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAFE or VTI?
Over the past year BAFE returned +17.25% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BAFE annualized +11.99% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAFE or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.8% for BAFE. Worst drawdown: BAFE -18.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BAFE and VTI?
BAFE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BAFE and VTI?
BAFE and VTI share 35 common holdings with a 26.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAFE or VTI?
BAFE yields 0.28% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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