VTI vs AGG: Head-to-Head Comparison
Last updated: March 2026 • Stocks vs Bonds
Quick Verdict
AGG edges out VTI with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (10 vs 9.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Key Differences Between VTI and AGG
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) is a u.s. total market fund managed by Vanguard. VTI gives you exposure to the entire U.S. stock market in one fund, covering large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. With over 3,600 holdings, it is one of the most diversified U.S. equity ETFs you can buy. Beginners often choose VTI over S&P 500 funds because it includes smaller companies that have historically provided additional growth potential.
AGG (iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF) is a u.s. intermediate-term bond fund managed by BlackRock. AGG is BlackRock's version of a total U.S. bond market ETF, tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. It covers a similar universe of bonds as Vanguard's BND, including treasuries, corporates, and mortgage-backed securities. Beginners will find that AGG and BND are nearly interchangeable, with the main differences being minor variations in expense ratio and the index methodology used.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (3,644 vs 12,095), and 5-year returns (15.20% vs -0.60%).
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
VTI and AGG share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VTI
Fee cost: $258
AGG
Fee cost: $258
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose VTI if: You want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, beginners building a simple two-fund or three-fund portfolio, long-term investors who want small-cap exposure alongside large-caps. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Choose AGG if: You want investors who prefer blackrock/ishares as their etf provider, 401(k) participants looking for a core bond holding, conservative investors building a balanced portfolio with stock and bond allocations. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Can You Own Both VTI and AGG?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, VTI and AGG complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy VTI or AGG?▾
AGG edges out VTI with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (10 vs 9.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors. However, both are solid options. VTI is best for investors who want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, while AGG is better suited for investors who prefer blackrock/ishares as their etf provider.
What is the difference between VTI and AGG?▾
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) tracks u.s. total market investments with 3,644 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. AGG (iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF) focuses on u.s. intermediate-term bond with 12,095 holdings at 0.03%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both VTI and AGG?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, VTI and AGG complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.