FSSL vs VTI
FS Specialty Lending Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, FSSL or VTI?
High Yield Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSSL | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 6.98% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $1.3B | $689.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 10.40% | 1.06% |
| Holdings | 161 | 3,542 |
| YTD Return | -6.82% | +8.54%Best |
| 1Y Return | -1.47% | +11.14%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.29% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.84% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 13.7%Best |
| Fund Family | FS Specialty Lending Fund | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | High Yield Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Max Drawdown, $10,000 over the window, Top 10 Weight.
FSSL vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
FSSL vs VTI Performance
FS Specialty Lending Fund (FSSL) is an ETF from FS Specialty Lending Fund and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FSSL returned -1.47% while VTI returned +11.14%. Year to date, FSSL is down 6.82% versus a gain of 8.54% for VTI.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 13.7% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.17. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSSL charges 6.98% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $698 vs $3 annually, a gap of $695 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSSL currently yields 10.40% against 1.06% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 8 holdings in FSSL and 3,464 in VTI, totalling 9.7% and 97.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 92 days apart, FSSL as of Jun 30, 2026 and VTI as of Sep 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 8 positions we hold weights for in FSSL and 3,464 in VTI, against full books of 161 and 3,542.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSSL and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSSL or VTI?
FSSL has an expense ratio of 6.98% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $695 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FSSL or VTI?
Over the past year FSSL returned -1.47% vs +11.14% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSSL or VTI?
FSSL has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 13.7% for VTI.
Should I hold both FSSL and VTI?
FSSL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.17, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSSL or VTI?
FSSL yields 10.40% while VTI yields 1.06%, so FSSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than FSSL?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.