FFC vs VTI
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated 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 | FFC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.23% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $829M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.03% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.05% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.52% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.38% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.44% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2003 | May 24, 2001 |
FFC vs VTI Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated (FFC) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FFC returned +7.52% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, FFC is up 2.05% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, FFC compounded at +13.38% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.44% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -0.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FFC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% 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 -84.5% for FFC 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFC charges 1.23% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $123 vs $3 annually, a gap of $120 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFC currently yields 7.03% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FFC and VTI share 24 holdings out of 2943 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FFC or VTI?
FFC has an expense ratio of 1.23% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $120 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FFC or VTI?
Over the past year FFC returned +7.52% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), FFC annualized -0.12% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FFC or VTI?
FFC has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FFC -84.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FFC and VTI?
FFC and VTI 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 FFC and VTI?
FFC and VTI share 24 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2943 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FFC or VTI?
FFC yields 7.03% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FFC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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