ECF vs VTI
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. 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 | ECF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.16% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $218M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.63% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.35% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.36% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.29% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.40% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 1986 | May 24, 2001 |
ECF vs VTI Performance
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ECF returned +21.36% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, ECF is up 8.35% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, ECF compounded at +18.29% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.40% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, ECF has the edge at +8.28% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -83.1% for ECF 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECF charges 1.16% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $116 vs $3 annually, a gap of $113 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECF currently yields 3.63% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ECF and VTI share 16 holdings out of 2810 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECF or VTI?
ECF has an expense ratio of 1.16% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $113 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECF or VTI?
Over the past year ECF returned +21.36% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), ECF annualized +8.28% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECF or VTI?
ECF has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ECF -83.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ECF and VTI?
ECF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECF and VTI?
ECF and VTI share 16 common holdings with a 6.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2810 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECF or VTI?
ECF yields 3.63% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ECF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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