FTBI vs VOO
FTBI vs VOO
First Trust Balanced Income ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTBI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $21M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.32% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.57% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.62% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FTBI vs VOO Performance
First Trust Balanced Income ETF (FTBI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FTBI returned +13.62% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, FTBI is up 7.57% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 6.2% for FTBI. 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 -5.3% for FTBI and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTBI charges 0.97% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $3 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTBI currently yields 7.32% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FTBI and VOO share 0 holdings out of 519 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, FTBI or VOO?
FTBI has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTBI or VOO?
Over the past year FTBI returned +13.62% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTBI annualized +15.80% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTBI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 6.2% for FTBI. Worst drawdown: FTBI -5.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FTBI and VOO?
FTBI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTBI and VOO?
FTBI and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTBI or VOO?
FTBI yields 7.32% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FTBI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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