FTGS vs SPGM
FTGS vs SPGM
First Trust Growth Strength ETF vs State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
SPGM has a lower expense ratio. SPGM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPGM offers more diversification with 2846 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGS | SPGM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 1.80% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 2,985 | |
| YTD Return | +12.49% | +14.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.75% | +27.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.25% | +20.87% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -34.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Feb 27, 2012 |
FTGS vs SPGM Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (SPGM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year FTGS returned +14.75% while SPGM returned +27.05%. Year to date, FTGS is up 12.49% versus a gain of 14.76% for SPGM.
Over three years, FTGS compounded at +18.25% per year against +20.87% for SPGM. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +19.84% annualized vs +9.92%. 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 13.6% for SPGM. 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 -34.0% for SPGM. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS charges 0.60% per year while SPGM charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGS currently yields 0.09% against 1.80% for SPGM.
Holdings Overlap
FTGS and SPGM share 36 holdings out of 2860 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTGS | Weight in SPGM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 1.97% | 4.02% | 2.05% |
| MSFT | 1.77% | 2.59% | 0.82% |
| PANW | 3.72% | 0.08% | 3.64% |
| FTNT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CDNS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SCHW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTGS shares with SPGM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTGS or SPGM?
FTGS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPGM charges 0.09%. SPGM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGS or SPGM?
Over the past year FTGS returned +14.75% vs +27.05% for SPGM, so SPGM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTGS annualized +19.84% vs +9.92% for SPGM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGS or SPGM?
FTGS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SPGM. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs SPGM -34.0%.
Should I hold both FTGS and SPGM?
FTGS and SPGM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGS and SPGM?
FTGS and SPGM share 36 common holdings with a 10.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2860 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or SPGM?
FTGS yields 0.09% while SPGM yields 1.80%, so SPGM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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