FTCB vs PATN
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF
Quick Verdict
FTCB has a lower expense ratio. PATN delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | PATN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $194M | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 1.59% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 106 | |
| YTD Return | +0.17% | +31.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.33% | +51.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 21.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -16.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Pacer ETFs | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Sep 16, 2024 |
FTCB vs PATN Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF (PATN) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year FTCB returned +2.33% while PATN returned +51.38%. Year to date, FTCB is up 0.17% versus a gain of 31.67% for PATN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PATN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -16.8% for PATN. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while PATN charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $65 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 1.59% for PATN.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and PATN share 0 holdings out of 432 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 PATN?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while PATN charges 0.65%. FTCB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or PATN?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.33% vs +51.38% for PATN, so PATN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FTCB annualized +5.76% vs +38.86% for PATN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or PATN?
PATN has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs PATN -16.8%.
Should I hold both FTCB and PATN?
FTCB and PATN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and PATN?
FTCB and PATN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 432 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or PATN?
FTCB yields 5.24% while PATN yields 1.59%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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