FTCS vs XLCI
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF
Which is better, FTCS or XLCI?
Each has led over a different period.
XLCI has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y, XLCI over the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCS | XLCI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.53% | 0.35%Best |
| AUM | $7.5B | $3M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 12.34% |
| Holdings | 102 | 4 |
| YTD Return | +4.45%Best | +0.99% |
| 1Y Return | +4.09%Best | +3.97% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.02% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.05% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.7% | 9.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -8.1%Best | -8.4% |
| $10,000 over 1.2 years | $10,666 | $10,749Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Jul 29, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 30, 2025 to Oct 9, 2026 (1.2 years).
FTCS vs XLCI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.2 years both funds cover.
FTCS vs XLCI Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLCI) is an ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FTCS returned +4.09% while XLCI returned +3.97%. Year to date, FTCS is up 4.45% versus a gain of 0.99% for XLCI.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 11.7% compared with 9.9% for XLCI. 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 -8.1% for FTCS and -8.4% for XLCI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.34. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.53% per year while XLCI charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $53 vs $35 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.06% against 12.34% for XLCI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 50 holdings in FTCS and 2 in XLCI, totalling 99.7% and 100.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 2 in XLCI, against full books of 102 and 4.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTCS and XLCI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCS or XLCI?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.53% while XLCI charges 0.35%. XLCI is the cheaper option, by $18 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCS or XLCI?
Over the past year FTCS returned +4.09% vs +3.97% for XLCI, so FTCS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTCS annualized +5.52% vs +6.20% for XLCI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCS or XLCI?
FTCS has been the more volatile fund at 11.7% annualized versus 9.9% for XLCI. Worst drawdown: FTCS -8.1% vs XLCI -8.4%.
Should I hold both FTCS and XLCI?
FTCS and XLCI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or XLCI?
FTCS yields 1.06% while XLCI yields 12.34%, so XLCI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XLCI better than FTCS?
XLCI has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y, XLCI over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.