PULT 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

MetricPULTVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.03%
AUM$37M$663.5B
Dividend Yield4.65%1.07%
Holdings4383,543
YTD Return+1.22%+10.14%
1Y Return+4.19%+19.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.33%+18.94%
5Y Return (annualized)-+11.79%
Volatility (annualized)0.6%15.4%
Max Drawdown-0.4%-56.6%
Fund FamilyFranklin Templeton Investments (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJan 19, 2023May 24, 2001

PULT vs VTI Performance

Putnam ESG Ultra Short ETF (PULT) 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 PULT returned +4.19% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, PULT is up 1.22% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.

Over three years, PULT compounded at +5.33% per year against +18.94% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +5.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 0.6% for PULT. 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 -0.4% for PULT 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PULT 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, PULT currently yields 4.65% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

PULT and VTI share 2 holdings out of 3103 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PULTWeight in VTIDifference
WEC0.47%0.05%0.42%
MAR0.26%0.11%0.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PULT or VTI?

PULT 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, PULT or VTI?

Over the past year PULT returned +4.19% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PULT annualized +5.23% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PULT or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 0.6% for PULT. Worst drawdown: PULT -0.4% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both PULT and VTI?

PULT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PULT and VTI?

PULT and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3103 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PULT or VTI?

PULT yields 4.65% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PULT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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