NEAR vs VTI
NEAR vs VTI
iShares Short Duration Bond Active 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 | NEAR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.43% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,622 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.26% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.30% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.38% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.33% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
NEAR vs VTI Performance
iShares Short Duration Bond Active ETF (NEAR) 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 NEAR returned +0.30% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, NEAR is down 1.26% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, NEAR compounded at +4.38% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.33% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +2.19%. 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 1.6% for NEAR. 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 -9.6% for NEAR 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NEAR charges 0.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NEAR currently yields 4.43% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NEAR and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3363 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, NEAR or VTI?
NEAR has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NEAR or VTI?
Over the past year NEAR returned +0.30% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), NEAR annualized +2.19% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NEAR or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.6% for NEAR. Worst drawdown: NEAR -9.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NEAR and VTI?
NEAR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NEAR and VTI?
NEAR and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3363 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NEAR or VTI?
NEAR yields 4.43% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NEAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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