FQAL vs FTCB
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF vs First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF
Quick Verdict
FQAL has a lower expense ratio. FQAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FQAL | FTCB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.56% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $2.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.17% | 5.24% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 721 | |
| YTD Return | +12.67% | -0.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.52% | +2.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 5.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -5.0% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | Nov 7, 2023 |
FQAL vs FTCB Performance
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF (FQAL) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FQAL returned +19.52% while FTCB returned +2.42%. Year to date, FQAL is up 12.67% versus a loss of 0.12% for FTCB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FQAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -34.1% for FQAL 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FQAL charges 0.15% per year while FTCB charges 0.56%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $56 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FQAL currently yields 1.17% against 5.24% for FTCB.
Holdings Overlap
FQAL and FTCB share 0 holdings out of 456 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, FQAL or FTCB?
FQAL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while FTCB charges 0.56%. FQAL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FQAL or FTCB?
Over the past year FQAL returned +19.52% vs +2.42% for FTCB, so FQAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FQAL annualized +13.81% vs +5.66% for FTCB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FQAL or FTCB?
FQAL has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FQAL -34.1% vs FTCB -5.0%.
Should I hold both FQAL and FTCB?
FQAL and FTCB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FQAL and FTCB?
FQAL and FTCB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 456 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FQAL or FTCB?
FQAL yields 1.17% while FTCB yields 5.24%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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