LDSF vs VCSH
First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF compared with Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund ETF Shares on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
LDSF
First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF
TTM yield · Monthly
VCSH
Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund ETF Shares
TTM yield · Monthly
Quick take
- LDSF yields more today: 4.71% vs 4.51% (forward).
- Both pay every month.
- Over the last year LDSF delivered the higher total return: +3.1% vs +2.2% (price change plus payouts).
- VCSH is cheaper to own: 0.03% vs 0.77% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | LDSF | VCSH |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $18.81 | $78.14 |
| TTM yield | 4.71% | 4.51% |
| Forward yield | 4.71% | 4.51% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.885 | $3.521 |
| Payment frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Next ex-date | Sep 20, 2026 (est.) | Oct 1, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.77% | 0.03% |
| 1-year payout growth | — | — |
| 5-year payout CAGR | — | — |
| Consecutive years of increases | — | — |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 98/100 | 97/100 |
| 1-year total return | +3.1% | +2.2% |
| 1-year price return | -1.5% | -2.2% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 164.6M | 51.7B |
| Years paying | 7.6 | 16.7 |
| Sector / category | Short-Term Bond | Short-Term Bond |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| LDSF | VCSH | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 531.8 | 128.0 |
| Income per year | $471 | $451 |
| Income per month (avg) | $39 | $38 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model LDSF · Model VCSH
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDSF Sep 20, 2026 | Sep 28, 2026 | $0.0737 | Est. |
| LDSF Oct 20, 2026 | Oct 28, 2026 | $0.0737 | Est. |
| LDSF Nov 19, 2026 | Nov 27, 2026 | $0.0737 | Est. |
| VCSH Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 | $0.2934 | Est. |
| VCSH Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 2, 2026 | $0.2934 | Est. |
| VCSH Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 2, 2026 | $0.2934 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
LDSFVCSH
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, LDSF or VCSH?
LDSF currently has the higher trailing yield: LDSF yields 4.71% and VCSH yields 4.51%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do LDSF and VCSH pay?
LDSF pays every month and VCSH pays every month. LDSF's next ex-date is Sep 20, 2026 and VCSH's is Oct 1, 2026.
Is LDSF or VCSH better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. LDSF and VCSH differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.