SDFI vs VTI
SDFI vs VTI
AB Short Duration 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 | SDFI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $185M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.54% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 552 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.01% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.12% | +24.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
SDFI vs VTI Performance
AB Short Duration Income ETF (SDFI) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDFI returned +3.12% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, SDFI is up 1.01% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.8% for SDFI. 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 -1.2% for SDFI 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDFI charges 0.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDFI currently yields 4.54% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDFI or VTI?
SDFI has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDFI or VTI?
Over the past year SDFI returned +3.12% vs +24.23% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SDFI annualized +4.98% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDFI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.8% for SDFI. Worst drawdown: SDFI -1.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SDFI and VTI?
SDFI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDFI and VTI?
SDFI and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3122 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDFI or VTI?
SDFI yields 4.54% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SDFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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