CIF vs VTI
CIF vs VTI
MFS Intermediate High Income Fund 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 | CIF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $31M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.78% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 360 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.12% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.67% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.54% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 21, 1988 | May 24, 2001 |
CIF vs VTI Performance
MFS Intermediate High Income Fund (CIF) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CIF returned +3.67% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, CIF is down 1.12% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, CIF compounded at +10.23% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -3.54% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -3.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CIF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -87.0% for CIF 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CIF charges 2.05% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $205 vs $3 annually, a gap of $202 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CIF currently yields 9.78% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CIF and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3068 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, CIF or VTI?
CIF has an expense ratio of 2.05% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $202 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CIF or VTI?
Over the past year CIF returned +3.67% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), CIF annualized -3.07% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CIF or VTI?
CIF has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CIF -87.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CIF and VTI?
CIF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CIF and VTI?
CIF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3068 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CIF or VTI?
CIF yields 9.78% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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