IMTB vs VTI
IMTB vs VTI
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD 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 | IMTB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $276M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.50% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3,444 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.28% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.93% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.86% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.21% | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
IMTB vs VTI Performance
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (IMTB) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IMTB returned +2.93% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, IMTB is down 0.28% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, IMTB compounded at +4.86% per year against +20.88% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.21% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +0.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.3% for IMTB. 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 -18.3% for IMTB 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMTB charges 0.06% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMTB currently yields 4.50% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IMTB and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3940 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, IMTB or VTI?
IMTB has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMTB or VTI?
Over the past year IMTB returned +2.93% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IMTB annualized +0.62% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMTB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.3% for IMTB. Worst drawdown: IMTB -18.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IMTB and VTI?
IMTB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IMTB and VTI?
IMTB and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3940 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMTB or VTI?
IMTB yields 4.50% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IMTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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