Two of the market's most popular income ETFs compared side-by-side. See which one fits your yield strategy.
What this means: ABNDX is ratedTier 1 (Cornerstone)while FTSL is ratedTier 2 (Yield Plus).ABNDX is structurally lower risk than FTSL.
| Metric | ABNDX | FTSL |
|---|---|---|
| Total Return (1Y) | 4.24% | 5.99% |
| NAV Change (1Y) | 0.26% | -0.35% |
| Max Drawdown | -4.06% | -3.69% |
| Beta | - | - |
* Returns include dividend reinvestment. Drawdown calculates peak-to-trough decline over trailing 12 months.
ABNDX (American Funds Bond Fund of Amer A) is a conservative dividend growth fund managed by American Funds. It focuses on generating income through strategic holdings. With significant capital, this fund has been operational since its inception.
Strategy: Focuses on quality dividend-paying companies with strong balance sheets and consistent payout histories.
FTSL (First Trust Senior Loan Fund) is a conservative dividend growth fund managed by First. It focuses on generating income through strategic holdings. With $2.4B in assets under management, this fund has been operational since its inception.
Strategy: Focuses on quality dividend-paying companies with strong balance sheets and consistent payout histories.
In the head-to-head battle of ABNDX vs FTSL, the choice depends on your specific goal. FTSL wins for Immediate Income with a 6.34% yield. However, FTSL is the better choice for Long-Term Growth due to superior total return performance.
Which fund is safer for retirement income? We analyze the yield sustainability and structural risk.
The Bottom Line Question: If you invest $100,000 today, how much cash will you actually receive each month? Here's the exact math:
ABNDX
Annual Yield: 3.98%
$332/mo
($3,983/year)
Frequency: monthly
FTSL
Annual Yield: 6.34%
$528/mo
($6,341/year)
Frequency: monthly
Income Gap: FTSL generates $2,358/year more than ABNDX on the same $100k investment.
Over 20 years, that's $47,166 in additional cash flow (before reinvestment).
Context Matters: Higher income doesn't always mean better investment. Review the "Yield Trap" and "Total Return" sections above—you want income that's sustainable, not just headline-grabbing.
Historical data reveals how these funds behave during market stress. FTSL has delivered a superior Total Return of 5.99% over the past year.
Every investor has a unique risk profile. Use our Portfolio Intelligence tool to see the impact of adding these ETFs to your holdings.