FTCB vs VGI
FTCB vs VGI
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund
Quick Verdict
FTCB has a lower expense ratio. VGI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGI offers more diversification with 434 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | VGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 1.74% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $88M | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 11.98% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 646 | |
| YTD Return | +0.12% | +1.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.43% | +5.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +2.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -63.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Feb 23, 2012 |
FTCB vs VGI Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund (VGI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% while VGI returned +5.12%. Year to date, FTCB is up 0.12% versus a gain of 1.47% for VGI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. 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 -5.0% for FTCB and -63.3% for VGI. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while VGI charges 1.74%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $174 annually, a gap of $118 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 11.98% for VGI.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and VGI share 12 holdings out of 753 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTCB | Weight in VGI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| T 4.625 02/15/55 | 0.09% | 2.59% | 2.50% |
| NRZT 2018-3A A1 | 0.28% | 0.34% | 0.06% |
| FLTR 5.875 06/04/31 | 0.31% | 0.29% | 0.02% |
| RKT 6.375 08/01/33 1 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ICLR 6 05/08/34 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FITB V4.337 04/25/33 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSGP 2.8 07/15/30 14 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JHXAU 6.125 07/31/32 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UHS 5.05 10/15/34 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LV 2024-SHOW A | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTCB shares with VGI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCB or VGI?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VGI charges 1.74%. FTCB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $118 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or VGI?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% vs +5.12% for VGI, so VGI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.77% vs -2.38% for VGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or VGI?
VGI has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs VGI -63.3%.
Should I hold both FTCB and VGI?
FTCB and VGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and VGI?
FTCB and VGI share 12 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 753 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or VGI?
FTCB yields 5.24% while VGI yields 11.98%, so VGI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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