FMCX vs FTCS
FM Focus Equity ETF vs First Trust Capital Strength ETF
Which is better, FMCX or FTCS?
Each has led over a different period.
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FMCX led over 3Y and the full window, FTCS over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMCX | FTCS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.53%Best |
| AUM | $115M | $7.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.30% | 1.12% |
| Holdings | 32 | 102 |
| YTD Return | +6.73% | +14.54%Best |
| 1Y Return | +7.10% | +15.06%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.11%Best | +13.25% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +6.76% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 13.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -18.5% | -12.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $15,013Best | $14,556 |
| Fund Family | First Manhattan | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 22, 2022 | Jul 6, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 25, 2022 to Nov 11, 2026 (4.5 years).
FMCX vs FTCS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.5 years both funds cover.
FMCX vs FTCS Performance
FM Focus Equity ETF (FMCX) is an ETF from First Manhattan and First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FMCX returned +7.10% while FTCS returned +15.06%. Year to date, FMCX is up 6.73% versus a gain of 14.54% for FTCS.
Over three years, FMCX compounded at +15.11% per year against +13.25% for FTCS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FMCX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 13.4% for FTCS. 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 -18.5% for FMCX and -12.8% for FTCS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.68. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMCX charges 0.72% per year while FTCS charges 0.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $53 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMCX currently yields 0.30% against 1.12% for FTCS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 8.0% of FTCS's money is in holdings FMCX also owns.
Stated as a floor: for FMCX, our book for it covers 88.0% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
FTCS and FMCX share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 46 days apart, FMCX as of Aug 31, 2026 and FTCS as of Oct 16, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
4 positions in common, counted across the 28 positions we hold weights for in FMCX and 50 in FTCS, against full books of 32 and 102.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FMCX and FTCS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FMCX or FTCS?
FMCX has an expense ratio of 0.72% while FTCS charges 0.53%. FTCS is the cheaper option, by $19 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FMCX or FTCS?
Over the past year FMCX returned +7.10% vs +15.06% for FTCS, so FTCS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FMCX or FTCS?
FMCX has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 13.4% for FTCS. Worst drawdown: FMCX -18.5% vs FTCS -12.8%.
Should I hold both FMCX and FTCS?
FMCX and FTCS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FMCX and FTCS?
At least 8.0% of FTCS's money is in holdings FMCX also owns. Our book for FMCX is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 28 positions we hold weights for in FMCX and 50 in FTCS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMCX or FTCS?
FMCX yields 0.30% while FTCS yields 1.12%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FTCS better than FMCX?
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FMCX led over 3Y and the full window, FTCS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.