BUI vs VTI
BUI vs VTI
BlackRock Utility Infrastructure & Power Opportunities 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 | BUI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $732M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.56% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.81% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.13% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.70% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.13% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
BUI vs VTI Performance
BlackRock Utility Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust (BUI) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUI returned +11.13% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BUI is up 7.81% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, BUI compounded at +15.70% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.13% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +4.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BUI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -48.3% for BUI 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
BUI charges 1.07% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $3 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUI currently yields 9.56% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BUI and VTI share 27 holdings out of 2808 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BUI | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 7.30% | 0.25% | 7.05% |
| WMB | 4.18% | 0.12% | 4.06% |
| DUK | 4.12% | 0.14% | 3.98% |
| SO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LNG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TRGP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BUI 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, BUI or VTI?
BUI has an expense ratio of 1.07% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUI or VTI?
Over the past year BUI returned +11.13% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BUI annualized +4.78% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUI or VTI?
BUI has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BUI -48.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BUI and VTI?
BUI 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 BUI and VTI?
BUI and VTI share 27 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2808 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUI or VTI?
BUI yields 9.56% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BUI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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