Quick Verdict

INCE has a lower expense ratio. INCE delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.

Lower Fees: INCEHigher Returns: INCEMore Diversified: FTCB

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFTCBINCEWinner
Expense Ratio0.56%0.29%
AUM$2.5B$132M
Dividend Yield5.24%4.82%
Holdings72182
YTD Return+0.12%+15.94%
1Y Return+2.43%+26.30%
3Y Return (annualized)-+16.63%
5Y Return (annualized)-+10.93%
Volatility (annualized)5.1%13.8%
Max Drawdown-5.0%-34.1%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Franklin Templeton Investments (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionNov 7, 2023Sep 20, 2016

FTCB vs INCE Performance

First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Franklin Income Equity Focus ETF (INCE) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% while INCE returned +26.30%. Year to date, FTCB is up 0.12% versus a gain of 15.94% for INCE.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

INCE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.8% 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 -34.1% for INCE. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FTCB charges 0.56% per year while INCE charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $29 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 4.82% for INCE.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

FTCB and INCE share 0 holdings out of 378 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 INCE?

FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while INCE charges 0.29%. INCE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FTCB or INCE?

Over the past year FTCB returned +2.43% vs +26.30% for INCE, so INCE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.77% vs +12.53% for INCE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FTCB or INCE?

INCE has been the more volatile fund at 13.8% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs INCE -34.1%.

Should I hold both FTCB and INCE?

FTCB and INCE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and INCE?

FTCB and INCE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 378 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or INCE?

FTCB yields 5.24% while INCE yields 4.82%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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