FTBI vs VTI
FTBI vs VTI
First Trust Balanced Income 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 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTBI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $21M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.32% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.57% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.62% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
FTBI vs VTI Performance
First Trust Balanced Income ETF (FTBI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FTBI returned +13.62% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, FTBI is up 7.57% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTBI charges 0.97% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTBI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2797 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 VTI?
FTBI has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTBI or VTI?
Over the past year FTBI returned +13.62% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTBI annualized +15.80% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTBI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.2% for FTBI. Worst drawdown: FTBI -5.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTBI and VTI?
FTBI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FTBI and VTI?
FTBI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTBI or VTI?
FTBI yields 7.32% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTBI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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