FTCB vs FTGS
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs First Trust Growth Strength ETF
Quick Verdict
FTCB has a lower expense ratio. FTGS delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | FTGS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $1.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 0.09% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +0.12% | +12.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.43% | +14.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -20.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Oct 25, 2022 |
FTCB vs FTGS Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% while FTGS returned +14.75%. Year to date, FTCB is up 0.12% versus a gain of 12.49% for FTGS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -5.0% for FTCB 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while FTGS charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $60 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 0.09% for FTGS.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and FTGS share 0 holdings out of 381 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, FTCB or FTGS?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while FTGS charges 0.60%. FTCB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or FTGS?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% vs +14.75% for FTGS, so FTGS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.77% vs +19.84% for FTGS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or FTGS?
FTGS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs FTGS -20.0%.
Should I hold both FTCB and FTGS?
FTCB and FTGS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and FTGS?
FTCB and FTGS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 381 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or FTGS?
FTCB yields 5.24% while FTGS yields 0.09%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.