VPLS vs VTI
VPLS vs VTI
Vanguard Core-Plus 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 | VPLS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.73% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,567 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.02% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.52% | +23.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
VPLS vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VPLS returned +2.52% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, VPLS is down 0.02% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.2% for VPLS. 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 -3.0% for VPLS 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VPLS charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VPLS currently yields 4.73% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VPLS and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2943 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, VPLS or VTI?
VPLS has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VPLS or VTI?
Over the past year VPLS returned +2.52% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VPLS annualized +6.38% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VPLS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.2% for VPLS. Worst drawdown: VPLS -3.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VPLS and VTI?
VPLS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VPLS and VTI?
VPLS and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2943 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VPLS or VTI?
VPLS yields 4.73% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VPLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.