VTI vs XFLT
VTI vs XFLT
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust
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 | XFLT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 6.29% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $345M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 16.04% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 535 | |
| YTD Return | +13.57% | -6.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.23% | -14.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.73% | -1.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.24% | -1.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 25.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -64.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | XA Investments LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Sep 27, 2017 |
VTI vs XFLT Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust (XFLT) is a ETF from XA Investments LLC. Over the past year VTI returned +24.23% while XFLT returned -14.19%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.57% versus a loss of 6.40% for XFLT.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +20.73% per year against -1.90% for XFLT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.24% and -1.99% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.12% annualized vs -1.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XFLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.7% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -64.6% for XFLT. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XFLT charges 6.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $629 annually, a gap of $626 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 16.04% for XFLT.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XFLT share 1 holdings out of 2998 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 VTI | Weight in XFLT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPG | 0.04% | 1.32% | 1.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XFLT?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XFLT charges 6.29%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $626 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or XFLT?
Over the past year VTI returned +24.23% vs -14.19% for XFLT, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VTI annualized +8.12% vs -1.87% for XFLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XFLT?
XFLT has been the more volatile fund at 25.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XFLT -64.6%.
Should I hold both VTI and XFLT?
VTI and XFLT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XFLT?
VTI and XFLT share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2998 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XFLT?
VTI yields 1.07% while XFLT yields 16.04%, so XFLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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