VCRB vs VTI
VCRB vs VTI
Vanguard Core 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 | VCRB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.57% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3,173 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.38% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.93% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
VCRB vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCRB returned +2.93% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, VCRB is down 0.38% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 4.3% for VCRB. 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 -4.1% for VCRB 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCRB charges 0.10% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $3 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCRB currently yields 4.57% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VCRB and VTI share 1 holdings out of 4005 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 VCRB | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AON | 0.02% | 0.09% | 0.07% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCRB or VTI?
VCRB has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCRB or VTI?
Over the past year VCRB returned +2.93% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VCRB annualized +3.97% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCRB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 4.3% for VCRB. Worst drawdown: VCRB -4.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VCRB and VTI?
VCRB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCRB and VTI?
VCRB and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4005 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCRB or VTI?
VCRB yields 4.57% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VCRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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