CAFX vs VTI
CAFX vs VTI
Congress Intermediate Bond ETF 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 | CAFX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $321M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.38% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.09% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.85% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Congress Asset Management Company | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
CAFX vs VTI Performance
Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX) is a ETF from Congress Asset Management Company and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CAFX returned +1.85% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, CAFX is up 0.09% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.5% for CAFX. 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 -2.6% for CAFX 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAFX charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAFX currently yields 4.38% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CAFX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2823 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, CAFX or VTI?
CAFX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAFX or VTI?
Over the past year CAFX returned +1.85% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CAFX annualized +2.48% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAFX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.5% for CAFX. Worst drawdown: CAFX -2.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CAFX and VTI?
CAFX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CAFX and VTI?
CAFX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2823 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAFX or VTI?
CAFX yields 4.38% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CAFX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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