USHY vs VTI
USHY vs VTI
iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate 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 | USHY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $29.0B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.89% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,893 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.71% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.21% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.04% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.25% | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
USHY vs VTI Performance
iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (USHY) 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 USHY returned +1.21% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, USHY is down 1.71% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, USHY compounded at +7.04% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.25% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +2.09%. 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 9.7% for USHY. 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 -31.0% for USHY 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USHY charges 0.08% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $3 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USHY currently yields 6.89% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
USHY and VTI share 1 holdings out of 4359 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in USHY | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| THC | 0.13% | 0.02% | 0.11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USHY or VTI?
USHY has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USHY or VTI?
Over the past year USHY returned +1.21% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), USHY annualized +2.09% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USHY or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 9.7% for USHY. Worst drawdown: USHY -31.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both USHY and VTI?
USHY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USHY and VTI?
USHY and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4359 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USHY or VTI?
USHY yields 6.89% while VTI yields 1.07%, so USHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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