ACES vs FTCB
ACES vs FTCB
ALPS Clean Energy ETF vs First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF
Quick Verdict
ACES has a lower expense ratio. ACES delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACES | FTCB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.56% | |
| AUM | $109M | $2.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 5.24% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 721 | |
| YTD Return | -4.16% | +0.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.72% | +2.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -8.79% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.98% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.4% | 5.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -5.0% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2018 | Nov 7, 2023 |
ACES vs FTCB Performance
ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% while FTCB returned +2.43%. Year to date, ACES is down 4.16% versus a gain of 0.12% for FTCB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.4% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. 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 -79.0% for ACES and -5.0% for FTCB. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACES charges 0.55% per year while FTCB charges 0.56%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $56 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACES currently yields 1.22% against 5.24% for FTCB.
Holdings Overlap
ACES and FTCB share 0 holdings out of 368 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACES or FTCB?
ACES has an expense ratio of 0.55% while FTCB charges 0.56%. ACES is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACES or FTCB?
Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% vs +2.43% for FTCB, so ACES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ACES annualized +3.76% vs +5.77% for FTCB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACES or FTCB?
ACES has been the more volatile fund at 35.4% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: ACES -79.0% vs FTCB -5.0%.
Should I hold both ACES and FTCB?
ACES and FTCB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACES and FTCB?
ACES and FTCB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 368 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACES or FTCB?
ACES yields 1.22% while FTCB yields 5.24%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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