EQTY vs FTCS
Kovitz Core Equity ETF vs First Trust Capital Strength ETF
Which is better, EQTY or FTCS?
EQTY has been ahead.
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. EQTY led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 42.4%.
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 | EQTY | FTCS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.52%Best |
| AUM | $1.4B | $7.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 1.22% |
| Holdings | 39 | 102 |
| YTD Return | +8.78%Best | +6.41% |
| 1Y Return | +13.61%Best | +5.59% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.28%Best | +10.51% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +6.06% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 11.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -17.3% | -12.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.8 years | $17,972Best | $13,210 |
| Top 10 Weight | 42.4% | 22.5%Best |
| Fund Family | Kovitz Investment Group | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 28, 2011 | Jul 6, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 12, 2022 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.8 years).
EQTY 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 3.8 years both funds cover.
EQTY vs FTCS Performance
Kovitz Core Equity ETF (EQTY) is an ETF from Kovitz Investment Group and First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year EQTY returned +13.61% while FTCS returned +5.59%. Year to date, EQTY is up 8.78% versus a gain of 6.41% for FTCS.
Over three years, EQTY compounded at +17.28% per year against +10.51% for FTCS. Across the full 4-year window we track, EQTY has the edge at +16.68% annualized vs +7.60%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EQTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.9% compared with 11.1% 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 -17.3% for EQTY and -12.6% 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQTY charges 0.99% per year while FTCS charges 0.52%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $52 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQTY currently yields 0.02% against 1.22% for FTCS.
Holdings Overlap
12.7% of EQTY's money is in holdings FTCS also owns. 8.2% of FTCS's money is in holdings EQTY also owns.
EQTY and FTCS share little of their money.
4 positions in common, counted across the 38 positions we hold weights for in EQTY and 50 in FTCS, against full books of 39 and 102.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 46 positions for FTCS that do not appear in our book for EQTY (91.7% of the fund), and 33 for EQTY that do not appear in FTCS (82.9%).
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.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of EQTY 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, EQTY or FTCS?
EQTY has an expense ratio of 0.99% while FTCS charges 0.52%. FTCS is the cheaper option, by $47 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, EQTY or FTCS?
Over the past year EQTY returned +13.61% vs +5.59% for FTCS, so EQTY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EQTY annualized +16.68% vs +7.60% for FTCS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EQTY or FTCS?
EQTY has been the more volatile fund at 12.9% annualized versus 11.1% for FTCS. Worst drawdown: EQTY -17.3% vs FTCS -12.6%.
Should I hold both EQTY and FTCS?
EQTY and FTCS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, 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 EQTY and FTCS?
12.7% of EQTY's money is in holdings FTCS also owns. 8.2% of FTCS's is in holdings EQTY also owns. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 38 positions we hold weights for in EQTY and 50 in FTCS.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQTY or FTCS?
EQTY yields 0.02% while FTCS yields 1.22%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FTCS better than EQTY?
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. EQTY led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 42.4%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.