HIX vs VTI
HIX vs VTI
Western Asset High Income Fund II 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 | HIX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.82% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $363M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 14.27% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 437 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.07% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.12% | +23.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.91% | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.81% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 1998 | May 24, 2001 |
HIX vs VTI Performance
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (HIX) 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 HIX returned +6.12% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, HIX is up 2.07% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.
Over three years, HIX compounded at +5.91% per year against +20.65% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.81% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs -2.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -75.2% for HIX 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
HIX charges 3.82% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $382 vs $3 annually, a gap of $379 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HIX currently yields 14.27% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HIX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3071 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, HIX or VTI?
HIX has an expense ratio of 3.82% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $379 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HIX or VTI?
Over the past year HIX returned +6.12% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), HIX annualized -2.38% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HIX or VTI?
HIX has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: HIX -75.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HIX and VTI?
HIX 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 HIX and VTI?
HIX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3071 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HIX or VTI?
HIX yields 14.27% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HIX 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.