UCON vs VTI
UCON vs VTI
First Trust Smith Unconstrained Bond 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 | UCON | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.86% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.11% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 456 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.72% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.71% | +24.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.47% | +20.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.73% | +12.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
UCON vs VTI Performance
First Trust Smith Unconstrained Bond ETF (UCON) 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 UCON returned +3.71% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, UCON is up 0.72% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.
Over three years, UCON compounded at +5.47% per year against +20.73% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.73% and +12.24% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.12% annualized vs +2.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.5% for UCON. 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 -15.3% for UCON 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UCON charges 0.86% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $86 vs $3 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UCON currently yields 5.11% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
UCON and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3102 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in UCON | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.15% | 0.32% | 0.17% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UCON or VTI?
UCON has an expense ratio of 0.86% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UCON or VTI?
Over the past year UCON returned +3.71% vs +24.23% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), UCON annualized +2.57% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UCON or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.5% for UCON. Worst drawdown: UCON -15.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both UCON and VTI?
UCON and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UCON and VTI?
UCON and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3102 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UCON or VTI?
UCON yields 5.11% while VTI yields 1.07%, so UCON currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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