BGT vs VTI
BGT vs VTI
BlackRock Floating Rate Income Trust 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 | BGT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.10% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $331M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.94% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 485 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.24% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.90% | +24.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.36% | +20.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.92% | +12.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
BGT vs VTI Performance
BlackRock Floating Rate Income Trust (BGT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BGT returned -0.90% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, BGT is up 4.24% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.
Over three years, BGT compounded at +9.36% per year against +20.73% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.92% and +12.24% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.12% annualized vs -0.31%. 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 14.1% for BGT. 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 -64.1% for BGT 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGT charges 2.10% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $210 vs $3 annually, a gap of $207 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BGT currently yields 12.94% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BGT or VTI?
BGT has an expense ratio of 2.10% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $207 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BGT or VTI?
Over the past year BGT returned -0.90% vs +24.23% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), BGT annualized -0.31% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.1% for BGT. Worst drawdown: BGT -64.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BGT and VTI?
BGT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BGT and VTI?
BGT and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3014 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGT or VTI?
BGT yields 12.94% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BGT 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.