FLUD vs VTI
Franklin Ultra Short Bond ETF 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 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLUD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $561M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.42% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 443 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.89% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.92% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.16% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.71% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 14, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
FLUD vs VTI Performance
Franklin Ultra Short Bond ETF (FLUD) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLUD returned +3.92% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, FLUD is up 1.89% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, FLUD compounded at +5.16% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.71% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +3.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 0.9% for FLUD. 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 -1.7% for FLUD 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLUD charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLUD currently yields 4.42% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FLUD and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3081 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, FLUD or VTI?
FLUD has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLUD or VTI?
Over the past year FLUD returned +3.92% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FLUD annualized +3.04% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLUD or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 0.9% for FLUD. Worst drawdown: FLUD -1.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FLUD and VTI?
FLUD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLUD and VTI?
FLUD and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3081 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLUD or VTI?
FLUD yields 4.42% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FLUD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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