FBDC vs VTI
FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FBDC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 13.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $36M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.39% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 22 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -2.87% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.45% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FBDC vs VTI Performance
FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FBDC returned -6.45% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, FBDC is down 2.87% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FBDC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -20.6% for FBDC 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FBDC charges 13.69% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $1369 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1366 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FBDC currently yields 13.39% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FBDC and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2807 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, FBDC or VTI?
FBDC has an expense ratio of 13.69% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1366 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FBDC or VTI?
Over the past year FBDC returned -6.45% vs +21.12% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FBDC annualized -4.20% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FBDC or VTI?
FBDC has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FBDC -20.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FBDC and VTI?
FBDC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FBDC and VTI?
FBDC and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2807 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FBDC or VTI?
FBDC yields 13.39% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FBDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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