FQAL vs FTGS
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF vs First Trust Growth Strength ETF
Quick Verdict
FQAL has a lower expense ratio. FQAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. FQAL offers more diversification with 130 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FQAL | FTGS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $1.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 0.08% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +12.00% | +11.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.57% | +12.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.35% | +18.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.63% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -20.0% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | Oct 25, 2022 |
FQAL vs FTGS Performance
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF (FQAL) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FQAL returned +18.57% while FTGS returned +12.59%. Year to date, FQAL is up 12.00% versus a gain of 11.16% for FTGS.
Over three years, FQAL compounded at +20.35% per year against +18.19% for FTGS. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +19.27% annualized vs +13.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FQAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 14.5% 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 -34.1% for FQAL 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FQAL charges 0.15% per year while FTGS charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $60 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FQAL currently yields 1.15% against 0.08% for FTGS.
Holdings Overlap
FQAL and FTGS share 17 holdings out of 158 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FQAL or FTGS?
FQAL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while FTGS charges 0.60%. FQAL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FQAL or FTGS?
Over the past year FQAL returned +18.57% vs +12.59% for FTGS, so FQAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FQAL annualized +13.71% vs +19.27% for FTGS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FQAL or FTGS?
FQAL has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.5% for FTGS. Worst drawdown: FQAL -34.1% vs FTGS -20.0%.
Should I hold both FQAL and FTGS?
FQAL and FTGS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 FQAL and FTGS?
FQAL and FTGS share 17 common holdings with a 19.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 158 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FQAL or FTGS?
FQAL yields 1.15% while FTGS yields 0.08%, so FQAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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