FTGS vs NMI
First Trust Growth Strength ETF vs Nuveen Municipal Income Fund Inc.
Quick Verdict
FTGS has a lower expense ratio. FTGS delivered stronger 1-year returns. NMI offers more diversification with 95 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGS | NMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.73% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | - | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 4.57% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 220 | |
| YTD Return | +13.02% | +11.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.71% | +14.29% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.46% | +9.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +2.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 11.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -34.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Nuveen | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Apr 20, 1988 |
FTGS vs NMI Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Nuveen Municipal Income Fund Inc. (NMI) is a ETF from Nuveen. Over the past year FTGS returned +14.71% while NMI returned +14.29%. Year to date, FTGS is up 13.02% versus a gain of 11.00% for NMI.
Over three years, FTGS compounded at +18.46% per year against +9.76% for NMI. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +19.91% annualized vs +0.37%. 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 11.0% for NMI. 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 -34.4% for NMI. 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS charges 0.60% per year while NMI charges 0.73%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $73 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGS currently yields 0.09% against 4.57% for NMI.
Holdings Overlap
FTGS and NMI share 0 holdings out of 145 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 NMI?
FTGS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while NMI charges 0.73%. FTGS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGS or NMI?
Over the past year FTGS returned +14.71% vs +14.29% for NMI, so FTGS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTGS annualized +19.91% vs +0.37% for NMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGS or NMI?
FTGS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.0% for NMI. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs NMI -34.4%.
Should I hold both FTGS and NMI?
FTGS and NMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGS and NMI?
FTGS and NMI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 145 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or NMI?
FTGS yields 0.09% while NMI yields 4.57%, so NMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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