Two of the market's most popular income ETFs compared side-by-side. See which one fits your yield strategy.
What this means: BIL is ratedTier 1 (Cornerstone)while FTSL is ratedTier 2 (Yield Plus).BIL is structurally lower risk than FTSL.
| Metric | BIL | FTSL |
|---|---|---|
| Total Return (1Y) | 4.59% | 5.99% |
| NAV Change (1Y) | -0.19% | -0.35% |
| Max Drawdown | -0.54% | -3.69% |
| Beta | - | - |
* Returns include dividend reinvestment. Drawdown calculates peak-to-trough decline over trailing 12 months.
BIL (SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF) is a conservative dividend growth fund managed by SPDR. It focuses on generating income through strategic holdings. With $42.7B 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.
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 BIL 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:
BIL
Annual Yield: 4.78%
$398/mo
($4,779/year)
Frequency: monthly
FTSL
Annual Yield: 6.34%
$528/mo
($6,341/year)
Frequency: monthly
Income Gap: FTSL generates $1,562/year more than BIL on the same $100k investment.
Over 20 years, that's $31,235 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.
What is Max Drawdown? Max drawdown measures the largest peak-to-trough decline in portfolio value during a specific period. Unlike NAV change (which only looks at start vs. end), max drawdown captures the worst moment of pain an investor experienced.
Real-World Scenario: $100,000 Investment
BIL (More Resilient)
Max Drawdown: -0.54%
-$540
Worst unrealized loss
FTSL (More Volatile)
Max Drawdown: -3.69%
-$3,690
Worst unrealized loss
Protection Value: BIL saved investors $3,150 in drawdown severity on a $100k position.
Why This Matters More Than Total Return: During bear markets or corrections, investors with lower max drawdown are:
⚖️ Capital Preservation Winner: BIL demonstrated superior downside protection, making it the better choice for retirees who cannot afford steep temporary losses.
What is an Expense Ratio? The annual fee charged by the fund, expressed as a percentage of assets. It's deducted daily from the fund's NAV, making it invisible to most investors—but it compounds over time.
BIL (LOWER COST)
0.135%
Annual expense ratio
FTSL (HIGHER COST)
0.860%
Annual expense ratio
20-YEAR FEE IMPACT SIMULATION ($100,000 INITIAL INVESTMENT)
The Hidden Cost of "Just 0.72%": That seemingly small difference of 0.725% annually becomes $14,494 in lost wealth over 20 years. Factor in compound growth, and you're giving up ~$40,129 in potential portfolio value.
💡 Cost Efficiency Winner: BIL is the clear winner for long-term buy-and-hold investors. Lower fees mean more capital compounds in YOUR account, not the fund manager's.
Every investor has a unique risk profile. Use our Portfolio Intelligence tool to see the impact of adding these ETFs to your holdings.