FTRB vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFTRBVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%0.03%
AUM$599M$663.5B
Dividend Yield4.27%1.07%
Holdings4753,543
YTD Return-0.51%+10.14%
1Y Return+3.18%+19.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.94%
5Y Return (annualized)-+11.79%
Volatility (annualized)4.4%15.4%
Max Drawdown-4.8%-56.6%
Fund FamilyFederated HermesVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJan 2, 2024May 24, 2001

FTRB vs VTI Performance

Federated Hermes Total Return Bond ETF (FTRB) is a ETF from Federated Hermes and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FTRB returned +3.18% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, FTRB is down 0.51% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 4.4% for FTRB. 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 -4.8% for FTRB 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FTRB 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, FTRB currently yields 4.27% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

FTRB and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3188 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, FTRB or VTI?

FTRB 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, FTRB or VTI?

Over the past year FTRB returned +3.18% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTRB annualized +3.70% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FTRB or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 4.4% for FTRB. Worst drawdown: FTRB -4.8% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both FTRB and VTI?

FTRB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FTRB and VTI?

FTRB and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3188 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FTRB or VTI?

FTRB yields 4.27% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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