NIE vs VTI
NIE vs VTI
Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund 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 | NIE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $797M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.66% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 196 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.56% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.22% | +23.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.37% | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
NIE vs VTI Performance
Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NIE) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NIE returned +20.22% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, NIE is up 9.56% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.
Over three years, NIE compounded at +17.37% per year against +20.65% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.58% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +3.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -63.8% for NIE 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIE charges 1.07% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $3 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIE currently yields 8.66% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NIE and VTI share 139 holdings out of 2805 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NIE | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 5.65% | 6.32% | 0.67% |
| AAPL | 4.55% | 5.84% | 1.29% |
| MSFT | 3.16% | 3.81% | 0.65% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LITE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings NIE shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NIE or VTI?
NIE has an expense ratio of 1.07% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIE or VTI?
Over the past year NIE returned +20.22% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), NIE annualized +3.57% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIE or VTI?
NIE has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NIE -63.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NIE and VTI?
NIE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NIE and VTI?
NIE and VTI share 139 common holdings with a 43.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2805 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIE or VTI?
NIE yields 8.66% while VTI yields 1.07%, so NIE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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