BIT vs VTI
BIT vs VTI
BlackRock Multi-Sector 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 | BIT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 4.26% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $746M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.16% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,589 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.16% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.06% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.95% | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.58% | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
BIT vs VTI Performance
BlackRock Multi-Sector Income Trust (BIT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIT returned -7.06% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, BIT is down 0.16% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Over three years, BIT compounded at +3.95% per year against +20.40% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.58% and +11.96% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.06% annualized vs +0.37%. 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 13.1% for BIT. 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 -53.3% for BIT 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIT charges 4.26% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $426 vs $3 annually, a gap of $423 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIT currently yields 11.16% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BIT and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3737 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BIT | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VSNT | 0.02% | 0.00% | 0.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BIT or VTI?
BIT has an expense ratio of 4.26% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $423 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIT or VTI?
Over the past year BIT returned -7.06% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BIT annualized +0.37% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.1% for BIT. Worst drawdown: BIT -53.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BIT and VTI?
BIT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIT and VTI?
BIT and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3737 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIT or VTI?
BIT yields 11.16% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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