FTCB vs FTKI
FTCB vs FTKI
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF
Quick Verdict
FTCB has a lower expense ratio. FTKI delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | FTKI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $25M | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 12.53% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 170 | |
| YTD Return | +0.12% | +13.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.43% | +23.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 10.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -15.2% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Feb 26, 2025 |
FTCB vs FTKI Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% while FTKI returned +23.96%. Year to date, FTCB is up 0.12% versus a gain of 13.99% for FTKI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTKI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 10.3% 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 -15.2% for FTKI. 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while FTKI charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $85 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 12.53% for FTKI.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and FTKI share 0 holdings out of 475 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 FTKI?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while FTKI charges 0.85%. FTCB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or FTKI?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% vs +23.96% for FTKI, so FTKI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTCB annualized +5.77% vs +13.38% for FTKI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or FTKI?
FTKI has been the more volatile fund at 10.3% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs FTKI -15.2%.
Should I hold both FTCB and FTKI?
FTCB and FTKI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and FTKI?
FTCB and FTKI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 475 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or FTKI?
FTCB yields 5.24% while FTKI yields 12.53%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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