FTCB vs HFXI
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs NYLI FTSE International Equity Currency Neutral ETF
Quick Verdict
HFXI has a lower expense ratio. HFXI delivered stronger 1-year returns. HFXI offers more diversification with 858 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | HFXI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 3.96% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 858 | |
| YTD Return | +0.17% | +18.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.33% | +31.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 13.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -34.2% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | INDEXIQ ETF TRUST | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Jul 22, 2015 |
FTCB vs HFXI Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and NYLI FTSE International Equity Currency Neutral ETF (HFXI) is a ETF from INDEXIQ ETF TRUST. Over the past year FTCB returned +2.33% while HFXI returned +31.28%. Year to date, FTCB is up 0.17% versus a gain of 18.37% for HFXI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HFXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.9% 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 -34.2% for HFXI. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while HFXI charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $20 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 3.96% for HFXI.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and HFXI share 0 holdings out of 1090 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 HFXI?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while HFXI charges 0.20%. HFXI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or HFXI?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.33% vs +31.28% for HFXI, so HFXI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.76% vs +8.03% for HFXI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or HFXI?
HFXI has been the more volatile fund at 13.9% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs HFXI -34.2%.
Should I hold both FTCB and HFXI?
FTCB and HFXI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and HFXI?
FTCB and HFXI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1090 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or HFXI?
FTCB yields 5.24% while HFXI yields 3.96%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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