VTI vs WABF
VTI vs WABF
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs Western Asset Bond 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 | VTI | WABF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 5.01% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 449 | |
| YTD Return | +13.57% | -0.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.23% | +2.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.73% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.24% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 6.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -5.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Sep 19, 2023 |
VTI vs WABF Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VTI returned +24.23% while WABF returned +2.04%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.57% versus a loss of 0.49% for WABF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.5% for WABF. 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 -56.6% for VTI and -5.4% for WABF. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while WABF charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $35 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 5.01% for WABF.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and WABF share 0 holdings out of 3072 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, VTI or WABF?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WABF charges 0.35%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or WABF?
Over the past year VTI returned +24.23% vs +2.04% for WABF, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VTI annualized +8.12% vs +5.33% for WABF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or WABF?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.5% for WABF. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs WABF -5.4%.
Should I hold both VTI and WABF?
VTI and WABF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and WABF?
VTI and WABF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3072 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or WABF?
VTI yields 1.07% while WABF yields 5.01%, so WABF 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.