BNDC vs RFCI
Northern Trust Core Bond ETF vs ALPS Dynamic Core Income ETF
Which is better, BNDC or RFCI?
Nearly the same fund. BNDC costs less.
BNDC has a lower expense ratio. RFCI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDC | RFCI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38%Best | 0.51% |
| AUM | $165M | $13M |
| Dividend Yield | 4.33% | 4.76% |
| Holdings | 16 | 48 |
| YTD Return | -2.88% | -1.66%Best |
| 1Y Return | -2.81% | -1.45%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +4.92%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.95% | +1.12%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 4.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -23.2% | -13.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,534 | $10,573Best |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | ALPS Advisors |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2016 | Jun 13, 2016 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight, Style.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 22, 2016 to Oct 14, 2026 (9.9 years).
BNDC vs RFCI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9.9 years both funds cover.
BNDC vs RFCI Performance
Northern Trust Core Bond ETF (BNDC) is an ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and ALPS Dynamic Core Income ETF (RFCI) is an ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year BNDC returned -2.81% while RFCI returned -1.45%. Year to date, BNDC is down 2.88% versus a loss of 1.66% for RFCI.
Over three years, BNDC compounded at +4.23% per year against +4.92% for RFCI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.95% and +1.12% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFCI has the edge at +1.14% annualized vs +0.12%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BNDC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.3% compared with 4.3% for RFCI. 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 -23.2% for BNDC and -13.2% for RFCI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDC charges 0.38% per year while RFCI charges 0.51%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $51 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDC currently yields 4.33% against 4.76% for RFCI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 7 holdings in BNDC and 37 in RFCI, totalling 99.2% and 83.6% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 7 positions we hold weights for in BNDC and 37 in RFCI, against full books of 16 and 48.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BNDC and RFCI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BNDC or RFCI?
BNDC has an expense ratio of 0.38% while RFCI charges 0.51%. BNDC is the cheaper option, by $13 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BNDC or RFCI?
Over the past year BNDC returned -2.81% vs -1.45% for RFCI, so RFCI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), BNDC annualized +0.12% vs +1.14% for RFCI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BNDC or RFCI?
BNDC has been the more volatile fund at 5.3% annualized versus 4.3% for RFCI. Worst drawdown: BNDC -23.2% vs RFCI -13.2%.
Should I hold both BNDC and RFCI?
BNDC and RFCI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDC or RFCI?
BNDC yields 4.33% while RFCI yields 4.76%, so RFCI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is RFCI better than BNDC?
BNDC has a lower expense ratio. RFCI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.