BLST 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

MetricBLSTVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.23%0.03%
AUM-$663.5B
Dividend Yield-1.07%
Holdings43,543
YTD Return+0.49%+14.20%
1Y Return+2.52%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)1.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-1.7%-56.6%
Fund FamilyBluemonte Investment ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJun 20, 2025May 24, 2001

BLST vs VTI Performance

Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF (BLST) is a ETF from Bluemonte Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BLST returned +2.52% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BLST is up 0.49% 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 1.8% for BLST. 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 -1.7% for BLST 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BLST charges 0.23% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $3 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BLST and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2786 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, BLST or VTI?

BLST has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BLST or VTI?

Over the past year BLST returned +2.52% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BLST annualized +3.03% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BLST or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.8% for BLST. Worst drawdown: BLST -1.7% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both BLST and VTI?

BLST and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BLST and VTI?

BLST and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.

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