DSU vs VTI
DSU vs VTI
Blackrock Debt Strategies Fund Inc. 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 | DSU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.72% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $619M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.34% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,281 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.94% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.25% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.99% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.69% | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 1998 | May 24, 2001 |
DSU vs VTI Performance
Blackrock Debt Strategies Fund Inc. (DSU) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DSU returned +0.25% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, DSU is down 0.94% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, DSU compounded at +8.99% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.69% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs -2.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% compared with 15.4% 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 -84.1% for DSU 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSU charges 1.72% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $172 vs $3 annually, a gap of $169 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSU currently yields 12.34% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSU or VTI?
DSU has an expense ratio of 1.72% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $169 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSU or VTI?
Over the past year DSU returned +0.25% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), DSU annualized -2.26% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSU or VTI?
DSU has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DSU -84.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DSU and VTI?
DSU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSU and VTI?
DSU and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3679 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSU or VTI?
DSU yields 12.34% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DSU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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