AOD vs FTGS
Abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund vs First Trust Growth Strength ETF
Quick Verdict
FTGS has a lower expense ratio. AOD delivered stronger 1-year returns. AOD offers more diversification with 85 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AOD | FTGS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.16% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $1.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.72% | 0.09% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +18.70% | +12.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.40% | +16.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.21% | +18.46% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.26% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.1% | -20.0% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2007 | Oct 25, 2022 |
AOD vs FTGS Performance
Abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund (AOD) is a ETF from Aberdeen and First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year AOD returned +33.40% while FTGS returned +16.39%. Year to date, AOD is up 18.70% versus a gain of 12.97% for FTGS.
Over three years, AOD compounded at +23.21% per year against +18.46% for FTGS. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +19.91% annualized vs -4.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AOD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% compared with 14.6% for FTGS. 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 -88.1% for AOD and -20.0% for FTGS. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOD charges 1.16% per year while FTGS charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $116 vs $60 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOD currently yields 11.72% against 0.09% for FTGS.
Holdings Overlap
AOD and FTGS share 3 holdings out of 132 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AOD or FTGS?
AOD has an expense ratio of 1.16% while FTGS charges 0.60%. FTGS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOD or FTGS?
Over the past year AOD returned +33.40% vs +16.39% for FTGS, so AOD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AOD annualized -4.02% vs +19.91% for FTGS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOD or FTGS?
AOD has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 14.6% for FTGS. Worst drawdown: AOD -88.1% vs FTGS -20.0%.
Should I hold both AOD and FTGS?
AOD and FTGS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AOD and FTGS?
AOD and FTGS share 3 common holdings with a 4.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 132 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOD or FTGS?
AOD yields 11.72% while FTGS yields 0.09%, so AOD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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