BTAL 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

MetricBTALVTIWinner
Expense Ratio1.40%0.03%
AUM$306M$663.5B
Dividend Yield3.20%1.07%
Holdings4023,543
YTD Return-13.38%+13.39%
1Y Return-24.80%+23.21%
3Y Return (annualized)-9.77%+20.65%
5Y Return (annualized)-4.10%+12.18%
Volatility (annualized)14.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-52.7%-56.6%
Fund FamilyAGFiQVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 13, 2011May 24, 2001

BTAL vs VTI Performance

AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL) is a ETF from AGFiQ and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTAL returned -24.80% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, BTAL is down 13.38% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.

Over three years, BTAL compounded at -9.77% per year against +20.65% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -4.10% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs -3.62%. 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 14.9% for BTAL. 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 -52.7% for BTAL 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 -0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BTAL charges 1.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $3 annually, a gap of $137 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTAL currently yields 3.20% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

11.8%overlap

BTAL and VTI share 314 holdings out of 2868 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.8% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in BTALWeight in VTIDifference
AMZN-0.31%3.17%3.48%
AVGO-0.33%2.46%2.79%
META-0.30%1.70%2.00%
TSLAProProPro
MUProProPro
JNJProProPro
ABBVProProPro
CSCOProProPro
RTXProProPro
PMProProPro
See all 10 holdings BTAL shares with VTI
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BTAL or VTI?

BTAL has an expense ratio of 1.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $137 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BTAL or VTI?

Over the past year BTAL returned -24.80% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BTAL annualized -3.62% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BTAL or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for BTAL. Worst drawdown: BTAL -52.7% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both BTAL and VTI?

BTAL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BTAL and VTI?

BTAL and VTI share 314 common holdings with a 11.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2868 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BTAL or VTI?

BTAL yields 3.20% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BTAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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