FTCB vs VTI
FTCB vs VTI
First Trust Core Investment Grade 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 | FTCB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.03% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.38% | +23.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
FTCB vs VTI Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) 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 FTCB returned +2.38% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, FTCB is down 0.03% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $3 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3114 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, FTCB or VTI?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or VTI?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.38% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.72% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTCB and VTI?
FTCB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and VTI?
FTCB and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3114 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or VTI?
FTCB yields 5.24% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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