FTGS vs SCHQ
First Trust Growth Strength ETF vs Schwab Long-Term US Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHQ has a lower expense ratio. FTGS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHQ offers more diversification with 98 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGS | SCHQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $806M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 4.73% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 98 | |
| YTD Return | +13.02% | -3.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.71% | -0.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.46% | +0.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | -6.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -46.7% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Oct 10, 2019 |
FTGS vs SCHQ Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab Long-Term US Treasury ETF (SCHQ) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FTGS returned +14.71% while SCHQ returned -0.88%. Year to date, FTGS is up 13.02% versus a loss of 3.15% for SCHQ.
Over three years, FTGS compounded at +18.46% per year against +0.10% for SCHQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +19.91% annualized vs -4.49%. 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 13.5% for SCHQ. 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 -46.7% for SCHQ. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS charges 0.60% per year while SCHQ charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGS currently yields 0.09% against 4.73% for SCHQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTGS or SCHQ?
FTGS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHQ charges 0.03%. SCHQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGS or SCHQ?
Over the past year FTGS returned +14.71% vs -0.88% for SCHQ, so FTGS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTGS annualized +19.91% vs -4.49% for SCHQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGS or SCHQ?
FTGS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.5% for SCHQ. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs SCHQ -46.7%.
Should I hold both FTGS and SCHQ?
FTGS and SCHQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or SCHQ?
FTGS yields 0.09% while SCHQ yields 4.73%, so SCHQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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