FTKI vs IG
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF vs Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF
Quick Verdict
IG has a lower expense ratio. FTKI delivered stronger 1-year returns. IG offers more diversification with 145 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTKI | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.19% | |
| AUM | $25M | $198M | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.53% | 5.07% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 248 | |
| YTD Return | +13.69% | -1.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.18% | +0.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +4.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | -0.73% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 8.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -23.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Principal Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2025 | Apr 18, 2018 |
FTKI vs IG Performance
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF (IG) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year FTKI returned +22.18% while IG returned +0.44%. Year to date, FTKI is up 13.69% versus a loss of 1.95% for IG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTKI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 10.3% compared with 8.0% for IG. 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 -15.2% for FTKI and -23.8% for IG. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTKI charges 0.85% per year while IG charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $19 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTKI currently yields 12.53% against 5.07% for IG.
Holdings Overlap
FTKI and IG share 0 holdings out of 289 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, FTKI or IG?
FTKI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while IG charges 0.19%. IG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTKI or IG?
Over the past year FTKI returned +22.18% vs +0.44% for IG, so FTKI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTKI annualized +13.09% vs +0.54% for IG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTKI or IG?
FTKI has been the more volatile fund at 10.3% annualized versus 8.0% for IG. Worst drawdown: FTKI -15.2% vs IG -23.8%.
Should I hold both FTKI and IG?
FTKI and IG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTKI and IG?
FTKI and IG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 289 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTKI or IG?
FTKI yields 12.53% while IG yields 5.07%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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