HBDC vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHBDCVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%0.03%
AUM$85M$663.5B
Dividend Yield5.37%1.07%
Holdings2593,543
YTD Return+1.67%+14.96%
1Y Return+3.50%+22.39%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.51%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.36%
Volatility (annualized)2.2%15.4%
Max Drawdown-3.0%-56.6%
Fund FamilyHilton Capital ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJun 10, 2025May 24, 2001

HBDC vs VTI Performance

Hilton BDC Corporate Bond ETF (HBDC) is a ETF from Hilton Capital Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HBDC returned +3.50% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, HBDC is up 1.67% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 2.2% for HBDC. 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 -3.0% for HBDC 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HBDC charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HBDC currently yields 5.37% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HBDC and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2889 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, HBDC or VTI?

HBDC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HBDC or VTI?

Over the past year HBDC returned +3.50% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HBDC annualized +3.65% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HBDC or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 2.2% for HBDC. Worst drawdown: HBDC -3.0% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both HBDC and VTI?

HBDC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HBDC and VTI?

HBDC and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2889 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HBDC or VTI?

HBDC yields 5.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HBDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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