FTCB vs SPGM
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
SPGM has a lower expense ratio. SPGM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPGM offers more diversification with 2846 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | SPGM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 1.80% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 2,985 | |
| YTD Return | -0.12% | +14.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.42% | +26.49% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.60% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -34.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Feb 27, 2012 |
FTCB vs SPGM Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (SPGM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year FTCB returned +2.42% while SPGM returned +26.49%. Year to date, FTCB is down 0.12% versus a gain of 14.62% for SPGM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPGM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% 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 -34.0% for SPGM. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while SPGM charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $9 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 1.80% for SPGM.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and SPGM share 0 holdings out of 3177 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 SPGM?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while SPGM charges 0.09%. SPGM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or SPGM?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.42% vs +26.49% for SPGM, so SPGM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.66% vs +9.90% for SPGM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or SPGM?
SPGM has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs SPGM -34.0%.
Should I hold both FTCB and SPGM?
FTCB and SPGM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and SPGM?
FTCB and SPGM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3177 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or SPGM?
FTCB yields 5.24% while SPGM yields 1.80%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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