SGVT vs. FTBI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SGVT (Schwab Government Money Market ETF) and FTBI (First Trust Balanced Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SGVT is a Money Market fund actively managed by Charles Schwab, while FTBI is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.10, they often move in opposite directions. SGVT charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.97%/yr for FTBI.

Performance

SGVT vs. FTBI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Government Money Market ETF (SGVT) and First Trust Balanced Income ETF (FTBI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SGVT achieves a 1.41% return, which is significantly lower than FTBI's 6.54% return.

SGVT

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 1.41%
• 6M: 1.69%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTBI

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 6.54%
• 6M: 6.80%
• 1Y: 17.93%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SGVT vs. FTBI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SGVT Schwab Government Money Market ETF	1.41%	2.22%
FTBI First Trust Balanced Income ETF	6.54%	9.79%

Correlation

The correlation between SGVT and FTBI is -0.10, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2025	-0.10

Return for Risk

SGVT vs. FTBI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FTBI

FTBI Risk / Return Rank: 78
FTBI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
FTBI Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FTBI Omega Ratio Rank: 80
FTBI Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
FTBI Martin Ratio Rank: 80

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SGVT vs. FTBI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Government Money Market ETF (SGVT) and First Trust Balanced Income ETF (FTBI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SGVT	FTBI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	18.52	2.65	+15.87

Drawdowns

SGVT vs. FTBI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SGVT drawdown since its inception was -0.03%, smaller than the maximum FTBI drawdown of -5.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SGVT and FTBI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SGVT	FTBI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.03%	-5.34%	+5.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.34%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.17%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.00%	-0.61%	+0.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.17%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SGVT	FTBI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.02%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.65%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20%	7.15%	-6.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.20%	7.13%	-6.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.20%	7.13%	-6.93%

SGVT vs. FTBI - Expense Ratio Comparison

SGVT has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than FTBI's 0.97% expense ratio.

Dividends

SGVT vs. FTBI - Dividend Comparison

SGVT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.12%, less than FTBI's 7.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
FTBI First Trust Balanced Income ETF	7.87%	4.76%
SGVT Schwab Government Money Market ETF	3.12%	1.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SGVT and FTBI in my portfolio?

SGVT and FTBI have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SGVT or FTBI?

On fees, SGVT is cheaper at 0.28% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SGVT or FTBI?

SGVT is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for FTBI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SGVT or FTBI?

FTBI has the higher dividend yield at 7.87%, compared with 3.12% for SGVT.

What is the main difference between SGVT and FTBI?

SGVT is categorized as Money Market, while FTBI is Diversified Portfolio. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for SGVT and 0.97% for FTBI.