ACES vs FTKI
ALPS Clean Energy ETF vs First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF
Quick Verdict
ACES has a lower expense ratio. FTKI delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTKI offers more diversification with 144 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACES | FTKI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $109M | $25M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 12.53% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 170 | |
| YTD Return | -4.16% | +13.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.72% | +23.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -8.79% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.98% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.4% | 10.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -15.2% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2018 | Feb 26, 2025 |
ACES vs FTKI Performance
ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% while FTKI returned +23.96%. Year to date, ACES is down 4.16% versus a gain of 13.99% for FTKI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.4% compared with 10.3% for FTKI. 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 -15.2% for FTKI. 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 -0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACES charges 0.55% per year while FTKI charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $85 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACES currently yields 1.22% against 12.53% for FTKI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACES or FTKI?
ACES has an expense ratio of 0.55% while FTKI charges 0.85%. ACES is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACES or FTKI?
Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% vs +23.96% for FTKI, so FTKI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ACES annualized +3.76% vs +13.38% for FTKI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACES or FTKI?
ACES has been the more volatile fund at 35.4% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: ACES -79.0% vs FTKI -15.2%.
Should I hold both ACES and FTKI?
ACES and FTKI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACES and FTKI?
ACES and FTKI share 2 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 179 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACES or FTKI?
ACES yields 1.22% while FTKI yields 12.53%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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