FTCB vs MAGG
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs Madison Aggregate Bond ETF
Which is better, FTCB or MAGG?
Nearly the same fund. MAGG costs less.
MAGG has a lower expense ratio. FTCB led over the full window, MAGG over 1Y and 3Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.99.
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 | FTCB | MAGG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.36%Best |
| AUM | $2.7B | $63M |
| Dividend Yield | 5.59% | 5.05% |
| Holdings | 1,580 | 406 |
| YTD Return | -2.74% | -2.52%Best |
| 1Y Return | -3.07% | -1.91%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.36% | +4.51%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 4.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -5.6% | -5.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $11,317Best | $11,201 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Madison Funds |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Investment Grade Bond | Investment Grade Bond |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Aug 28, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 8, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (2.9 years).
FTCB vs MAGG 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 2.9 years both funds cover.
FTCB vs MAGG Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Madison Aggregate Bond ETF (MAGG) is an ETF from Madison Funds. Over the past year FTCB returned -3.07% while MAGG returned -1.91%. Year to date, FTCB is down 2.74% versus a loss of 2.52% for MAGG.
Over three years, FTCB compounded at +4.36% per year against +4.51% for MAGG.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.4% compared with 4.8% for MAGG. 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 -5.6% for FTCB and -5.1% for MAGG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while MAGG charges 0.36%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $36 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.59% against 5.05% for MAGG.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 13 holdings in FTCB and 126 in MAGG, totalling 4.5% and 67.4% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 13 positions we hold weights for in FTCB and 126 in MAGG, against full books of 1,580 and 406.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTCB and MAGG 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, FTCB or MAGG?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while MAGG charges 0.36%. MAGG is the cheaper option, by $20 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCB or MAGG?
Over the past year FTCB returned -3.07% vs -1.91% for MAGG, so MAGG leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCB or MAGG?
FTCB has been the more volatile fund at 5.4% annualized versus 4.8% for MAGG. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.6% vs MAGG -5.1%.
Should I hold both FTCB and MAGG?
FTCB and MAGG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or MAGG?
FTCB yields 5.59% while MAGG yields 5.05%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MAGG better than FTCB?
MAGG has a lower expense ratio. FTCB led over the full window, MAGG over 1Y and 3Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.99. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.