CGBL vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

CGBL (Capital Group Core Balanced ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CGBL is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Capital Group, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. CGBL is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Over the past year, CGBL returned 16.11% vs 24.96% for VTI. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CGBL charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

CGBL vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group Core Balanced ETF (CGBL) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CGBL achieves a 5.41% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 9.05% return.

CGBL

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: -0.56%
• YTD: 5.41%
• 6M: 6.40%
• 1Y: 16.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 9.05%
• 6M: 8.94%
• 1Y: 24.96%
• 3Y*: 21.05%
• 5Y*: 12.25%
• 10Y*: 14.84%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CGBL vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CGBL Capital Group Core Balanced ETF	5.41%	15.33%	16.64%	9.80%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	9.05%	17.10%	23.81%	11.83%

Correlation

The correlation between CGBL and VTI is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2023	0.93

The correlation between CGBL and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

CGBL vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGBL	VTI
Technology	29.9%	33.5%
Industrials	16.6%	9.8%
Financial Services	11.8%	12.0%
Healthcare	8.9%	9.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	10.0%
Communication Services	8.4%	10.3%
Basic Materials	7.2%	2.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	4.7%
Utilities	2.5%	2.3%
Energy	2.0%	3.7%
Real Estate	0.0%	2.4%

Return for Risk

CGBL vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CGBL

CGBL Risk / Return Rank: 52
CGBL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
CGBL Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
CGBL Omega Ratio Rank: 54
CGBL Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
CGBL Martin Ratio Rank: 57

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CGBL vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group Core Balanced ETF (CGBL) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	CGBL	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	2.02	-0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.34	2.73	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.36	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	2.81	-0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.04	12.85	-3.81
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CGBL vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGBL Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGBL and VTI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CGBL	VTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.64	2.02	-0.38
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.71	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.62	0.50	+1.12

Drawdowns

CGBL vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGBL drawdown since its inception was -11.66%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGBL and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGBL	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.66%	-55.45%	+43.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.88%	-8.92%	+1.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.30%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.50%	-2.64%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.29%	-8.02%	+6.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.79%	1.95%	-0.16%

Volatility

CGBL vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Capital Group Core Balanced ETF (CGBL) is 3.53%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 3.88%. This indicates that CGBL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGBL	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.53%	3.88%	-0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.17%	9.55%	-1.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.88%	12.44%	-2.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.09%	17.44%	-6.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.09%	18.33%	-7.24%

CGBL vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGBL has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGBL vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

CGBL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, more than VTI's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGBL Capital Group Core Balanced ETF	1.89%	1.98%	1.92%	0.48%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.03%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGBL and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, CGBL and VTI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, CGBL or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (3.88%) compared to CGBL (3.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGBL dropped -11.66% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, CGBL or VTI?

On 1-year performance, VTI leads with 24.96% vs 16.11% for CGBL. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, CGBL has been the lower-risk option at 3.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGBL or VTI?

Over the 1-year period, VTI has performed better with a 24.96% return vs 16.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGBL or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for CGBL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CGBL or VTI?

CGBL has the higher dividend yield at 1.89%, compared with 1.03% for VTI.

What is the main difference between CGBL and VTI?

CGBL is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for CGBL and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.64), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.