EHI vs VTI
EHI vs VTI
Western Asset Global High Income 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 | EHI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $193M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.92% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 398 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -2.18% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.44% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.07% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.10% | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2003 | May 24, 2001 |
EHI vs VTI Performance
Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc (EHI) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EHI returned +0.44% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, EHI is down 2.18% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, EHI compounded at +5.07% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.10% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs -1.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EHI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -66.1% for EHI 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EHI charges 1.89% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $189 vs $3 annually, a gap of $186 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EHI currently yields 12.92% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EHI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3042 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, EHI or VTI?
EHI has an expense ratio of 1.89% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $186 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EHI or VTI?
Over the past year EHI returned +0.44% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), EHI annualized -1.38% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EHI or VTI?
EHI has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EHI -66.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EHI and VTI?
EHI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EHI and VTI?
EHI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3042 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EHI or VTI?
EHI yields 12.92% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.