FTGS vs FTKI
First Trust Growth Strength ETF vs First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF
Quick Verdict
FTGS has a lower expense ratio. FTKI delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTKI offers more diversification with 144 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGS | FTKI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $25M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 12.53% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 170 | |
| YTD Return | +13.02% | +13.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.71% | +20.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.46% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 10.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -15.2% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Feb 26, 2025 |
FTGS vs FTKI Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FTGS returned +14.71% while FTKI returned +20.96%. Year to date, FTGS is up 13.02% versus a gain of 13.43% for FTKI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.3% for FTKI. 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 -20.0% for FTGS and -15.2% for FTKI. 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS charges 0.60% per year while FTKI charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $85 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGS currently yields 0.09% against 12.53% for FTKI.
Holdings Overlap
FTGS and FTKI share 0 holdings out of 194 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, FTGS or FTKI?
FTGS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while FTKI charges 0.85%. FTGS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGS or FTKI?
Over the past year FTGS returned +14.71% vs +20.96% for FTKI, so FTKI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FTGS annualized +19.91% vs +12.86% for FTKI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGS or FTKI?
FTGS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs FTKI -15.2%.
Should I hold both FTGS and FTKI?
FTGS and FTKI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGS and FTKI?
FTGS and FTKI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 194 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or FTKI?
FTGS yields 0.09% while FTKI yields 12.53%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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