FTCB vs GTOS
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs Invesco Short Duration Total Return Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
GTOS has a lower expense ratio. FTCB delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | GTOS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $122M | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 4.55% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 1,047 | |
| YTD Return | -0.12% | -0.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.42% | +1.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +4.61% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 1.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -1.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Dec 9, 2022 |
FTCB vs GTOS Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco Short Duration Total Return Bond ETF (GTOS) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FTCB returned +2.42% while GTOS returned +1.12%. Year to date, FTCB is down 0.12% versus a loss of 0.89% for GTOS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.1% compared with 1.9% for GTOS. 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 -1.8% for GTOS. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while GTOS charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $30 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 4.55% for GTOS.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and GTOS share 4 holdings out of 621 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTCB | Weight in GTOS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEDIND 3.875 04/01/2 | 0.37% | 0.85% | 0.48% |
| CRWD 3 02/15/29 | 0.21% | 0.59% | 0.38% |
| CQP 4.5 10/01/29 | 0.14% | 0.45% | 0.31% |
| COLT 2025-4 A1 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCB or GTOS?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while GTOS charges 0.30%. GTOS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or GTOS?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.42% vs +1.12% for GTOS, so FTCB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.66% vs +4.29% for GTOS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or GTOS?
FTCB has been the more volatile fund at 5.1% annualized versus 1.9% for GTOS. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs GTOS -1.8%.
Should I hold both FTCB and GTOS?
FTCB and GTOS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and GTOS?
FTCB and GTOS share 4 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 621 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or GTOS?
FTCB yields 5.24% while GTOS yields 4.55%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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