ETF Comparison
ARCC vs BXSL: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Ares Capital Corporation and Blackstone Secured Lending Fund covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
ARCC (Ares Capital Corporation) and BXSL (Blackstone Secured Lending Fund) are both popular -pay income ETFs, but they take different approaches.
BXSL is the larger fund by assets (—), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, ARCC would generate roughly $0.00/month while BXSL would produce $0.00/month at current distribution rates. Both pay distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, ARCC would cost approximately $0 in fees vs $0 for BXSL (simplified, not compounded). Both charge the same expense ratio.
Strategy & risk
ARCC tracks — with a — approach, while BXSL tracks — using a — strategy.
Fund details
ARCC is managed by — (launched —) with — in assets. BXSL is managed by — (launched —) with — in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is ARCC or BXSL better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. ARCC currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between ARCC and BXSL?
ARCC (Ares Capital Corporation) tracks — with a — strategy, while BXSL (Blackstone Secured Lending Fund) tracks — with a — approach. They are issued by — and — respectively.
Can I hold both ARCC and BXSL?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, ARCC or BXSL?
ARCC has an expense ratio of — while BXSL charges —. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in ARCC vs BXSL generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in ARCC would generate roughly $0.00 per month ($0.00 annually). The same in BXSL would produce about $0.00 per month ($0.00 annually).
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