FLGV vs FTCB
Franklin US Treasury Bond ETF vs First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF
Quick Verdict
FLGV has a lower expense ratio. FTCB delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLGV | FTCB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.56% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $2.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.11% | 5.24% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 721 | |
| YTD Return | -0.55% | +0.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.27% | +2.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.06% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.55% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 5.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -5.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jun 9, 2020 | Nov 7, 2023 |
FLGV vs FTCB Performance
Franklin US Treasury Bond ETF (FLGV) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FLGV returned +1.27% while FTCB returned +2.43%. Year to date, FLGV is down 0.55% versus a gain of 0.12% for FTCB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.1% compared with 5.0% for FLGV. 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 -18.4% for FLGV 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLGV charges 0.09% per year while FTCB charges 0.56%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $56 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLGV currently yields 4.11% against 5.24% for FTCB.
Holdings Overlap
FLGV and FTCB share 5 holdings out of 367 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FLGV | Weight in FTCB | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| T 3.125 05/15/48 | 4.43% | 0.14% | 4.29% |
| T 4.25 05/15/35 | 3.61% | 0.95% | 2.66% |
| T 4 11/15/52 | 2.61% | 0.01% | 2.60% |
| T 4.625 02/15/55 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TII 2.375 10/15/28 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLGV or FTCB?
FLGV has an expense ratio of 0.09% while FTCB charges 0.56%. FLGV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLGV or FTCB?
Over the past year FLGV returned +1.27% vs +2.43% for FTCB, so FTCB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FLGV annualized -0.92% vs +5.77% for FTCB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLGV or FTCB?
FTCB has been the more volatile fund at 5.1% annualized versus 5.0% for FLGV. Worst drawdown: FLGV -18.4% vs FTCB -5.0%.
Should I hold both FLGV and FTCB?
FLGV and FTCB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FLGV and FTCB?
FLGV and FTCB share 5 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 367 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLGV or FTCB?
FLGV yields 4.11% while FTCB yields 5.24%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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