FTGS vs IGBH
FTGS vs IGBH
First Trust Growth Strength ETF vs iShares Interest Rate Hedged Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
IGBH has a lower expense ratio. FTGS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IGBH offers more diversification with 76 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGS | IGBH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.14% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $203M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 5.68% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 4,130 | |
| YTD Return | +12.49% | +1.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.75% | +5.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.25% | +7.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +5.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 7.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -38.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Jul 22, 2015 |
FTGS vs IGBH Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares Interest Rate Hedged Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF (IGBH) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FTGS returned +14.75% while IGBH returned +5.80%. Year to date, FTGS is up 12.49% versus a gain of 1.43% for IGBH.
Over three years, FTGS compounded at +18.25% per year against +7.55% for IGBH. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +19.84% annualized vs +2.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.5% for IGBH. 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 -38.9% for IGBH. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS charges 0.60% per year while IGBH charges 0.14%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $14 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGS currently yields 0.09% against 5.68% for IGBH.
Holdings Overlap
FTGS and IGBH share 0 holdings out of 126 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 IGBH?
FTGS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while IGBH charges 0.14%. IGBH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGS or IGBH?
Over the past year FTGS returned +14.75% vs +5.80% for IGBH, so FTGS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTGS annualized +19.84% vs +2.85% for IGBH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGS or IGBH?
FTGS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.5% for IGBH. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs IGBH -38.9%.
Should I hold both FTGS and IGBH?
FTGS and IGBH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGS and IGBH?
FTGS and IGBH share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 126 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or IGBH?
FTGS yields 0.09% while IGBH yields 5.68%, so IGBH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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