NFLT vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNFLTVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.03%
AUM$447M$663.5B
Dividend Yield5.49%1.07%
Holdings8953,543
YTD Return+1.52%+11.83%
1Y Return+5.19%+21.79%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.13%+20.40%
5Y Return (annualized)+2.95%+11.96%
Volatility (annualized)5.3%15.3%
Max Drawdown-18.9%-56.6%
Fund FamilyVirtus Investment PartnersVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionAug 10, 2015May 24, 2001

NFLT vs VTI Performance

Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NFLT returned +5.19% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, NFLT is up 1.52% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.

Over three years, NFLT compounded at +7.13% per year against +20.40% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.95% and +11.96% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.06% annualized vs +1.72%. 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 NFLT. 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 -18.9% for NFLT 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

NFLT charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFLT currently yields 5.49% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

NFLT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2795 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, NFLT or VTI?

NFLT has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.

Which performed better, NFLT or VTI?

Over the past year NFLT returned +5.19% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), NFLT annualized +1.72% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, NFLT or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.3% for NFLT. Worst drawdown: NFLT -18.9% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both NFLT and VTI?

NFLT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between NFLT and VTI?

NFLT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, NFLT or VTI?

NFLT yields 5.49% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NFLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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