DUSA vs FTCS
Davis Select US Equity ETF vs First Trust Capital Strength ETF
Which is better, DUSA or FTCS?
DUSA has been ahead.
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. DUSA 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 58.4%.
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 | DUSA | FTCS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.52%Best |
| AUM | $1.3B | $7.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 1.22% |
| Holdings | 84 | 102 |
| YTD Return | +9.27%Best | +6.41% |
| 1Y Return | +17.38%Best | +5.59% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10%Best | +10.51% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.47%Best | +6.06% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 14.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -31.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,210Best | $13,420 |
| Top 10 Weight | 58.4% | 22.5%Best |
| Fund Family | Davis ETFs | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 11, 2017 | Jul 6, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 12, 2017 to Oct 14, 2026 (9.8 years).
DUSA 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 9.8 years both funds cover.
DUSA vs FTCS Performance
Davis Select US Equity ETF (DUSA) is an ETF from Davis ETFs and First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DUSA returned +17.38% while FTCS returned +5.59%. Year to date, DUSA is up 9.27% versus a gain of 6.41% for FTCS.
Over three years, DUSA compounded at +22.10% per year against +10.51% for FTCS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.47% and +6.06% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, DUSA has the edge at +12.38% annualized vs +10.00%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 14.2% 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 -36.7% for DUSA and -31.9% 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUSA charges 0.59% per year while FTCS charges 0.52%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $52 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUSA currently yields 0.90% against 1.22% for FTCS.
Holdings Overlap
0.9% of DUSA's money is in holdings FTCS also owns. 2.0% of FTCS's money is in holdings DUSA also owns.
FTCS and DUSA share little of their money.
1 positions in common, counted across the 28 positions we hold weights for in DUSA and 50 in FTCS, against full books of 84 and 102.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 49 positions for FTCS that do not appear in our book for DUSA (97.9% of the fund), and 25 for DUSA that do not appear in FTCS (96.4%).
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 DUSA | Weight in FTCS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXEExpand Energy Corp | 0.94% | 2.01% | 1.07% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DUSA and FTCS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DUSA or FTCS?
DUSA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while FTCS charges 0.52%. FTCS is the cheaper option, by $7 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DUSA or FTCS?
Over the past year DUSA returned +17.38% vs +5.59% for FTCS, so DUSA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), DUSA annualized +12.38% vs +10.00% for FTCS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DUSA or FTCS?
DUSA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 14.2% for FTCS. Worst drawdown: DUSA -36.7% vs FTCS -31.9%.
Should I hold both DUSA and FTCS?
DUSA and FTCS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, 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 DUSA and FTCS?
2.0% of FTCS's money is in holdings DUSA also owns. 2.0% of FTCS's is in holdings DUSA also owns. They hold 1 positions in common, counted across the 28 positions we hold weights for in DUSA and 50 in FTCS.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUSA or FTCS?
DUSA yields 0.90% while FTCS yields 1.22%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FTCS better than DUSA?
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. DUSA 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 58.4%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.