ACLC vs FTCS
American Century Large Cap Equity ETF vs First Trust Capital Strength ETF
Which is better, ACLC or FTCS?
ACLC has been ahead.
ACLC has a lower expense ratio. ACLC led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 38.7%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACLC | FTCS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39%Best | 0.52% |
| AUM | $336M | $7.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.56% | 1.22% |
| Holdings | 101 | 102 |
| YTD Return | +10.23%Best | +6.41% |
| 1Y Return | +13.17%Best | +5.59% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.50%Best | +10.51% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.85%Best | +6.06% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 13.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -26.4% | -20.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,996Best | $13,420 |
| Top 10 Weight | 38.7% | 22.5%Best |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2020 | Jul 6, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 15, 2020 to Oct 14, 2026 (6.2 years).
ACLC vs FTCS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.2 years both funds cover.
ACLC vs FTCS Performance
American Century Large Cap Equity ETF (ACLC) is an ETF from American Century Investments and First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year ACLC returned +13.17% while FTCS returned +5.59%. Year to date, ACLC is up 10.23% versus a gain of 6.41% for FTCS.
Over three years, ACLC compounded at +17.50% per year against +10.51% for FTCS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.85% and +6.06% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, ACLC has the edge at +13.81% annualized vs +8.95%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 13.9% for FTCS. 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 -26.4% for ACLC and -20.9% for FTCS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACLC charges 0.39% per year while FTCS charges 0.52%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $52 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACLC currently yields 0.56% against 1.22% for FTCS.
Holdings Overlap
16.7% of ACLC's money is in holdings FTCS also owns. 36.1% of FTCS's money is in holdings ACLC also owns.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
18 positions in common, counted across the 100 positions we hold weights for in ACLC and 50 in FTCS, against full books of 101 and 102.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 32 positions for FTCS that do not appear in our book for ACLC (63.8% of the fund), and 80 for ACLC that do not appear in FTCS (81.9%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ACLC | Weight in FTCS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPLApple, Inc | 4.75% | 2.07% | 2.68% |
| MAMastercard Inc. Cl A | 1.50% | 2.10% | 0.60% |
| GILDGilead Sciences Inc | 0.76% | 2.23% | 1.47% |
| VVisa Inc. Cl A | 0.89% | 2.08% | 1.19% |
| LINLinde Plc Ordinary Shares | 1.03% | 1.93% | 0.90% |
| HDHome Depot Inc | 1.20% | 1.73% | 0.53% |
| TJXTjx Companies Inc | 1.03% | 1.78% | 0.75% |
| MRKMerck & Co. Inc. | 0.38% | 2.34% | 1.96% |
| VRTXVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc | 0.56% | 2.15% | 1.59% |
| PGProcter & Gamble Company | 0.65% | 2.00% | 1.35% |
36.1% of FTCS is already inside ACLC.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACLC or FTCS?
ACLC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while FTCS charges 0.52%. ACLC is the cheaper option, by $13 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, ACLC or FTCS?
Over the past year ACLC returned +13.17% vs +5.59% for FTCS, so ACLC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), ACLC annualized +13.81% vs +8.95% for FTCS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, ACLC or FTCS?
ACLC has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 13.9% for FTCS. Worst drawdown: ACLC -26.4% vs FTCS -20.9%.
Should I hold both ACLC and FTCS?
ACLC and FTCS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between ACLC and FTCS?
36.1% of FTCS's money is in holdings ACLC also owns. 36.1% of FTCS's is in holdings ACLC also owns. They hold 18 positions in common, counted across the 100 positions we hold weights for in ACLC and 50 in FTCS.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACLC or FTCS?
ACLC yields 0.56% while FTCS yields 1.22%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FTCS better than ACLC?
ACLC has a lower expense ratio. ACLC led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 38.7%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.