FTCS vs HUSV
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF
Which is better, FTCS or HUSV?
FTCS has been ahead.
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 22.7%.
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 | FTCS | HUSV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52%Best | 0.70% |
| AUM | $7.5B | $54M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 1.52% |
| Holdings | 102 | 202 |
| YTD Return | +6.41%Best | +5.79% |
| 1Y Return | +5.59%Best | +3.42% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51%Best | +9.84% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.06%Best | +5.65% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 13.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9%Best | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,420Best | $13,163 |
| Top 10 Weight | 22.5%Best | 22.7% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Aug 24, 2016 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 25, 2016 to Oct 14, 2026 (10.1 years).
FTCS vs HUSV 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 10.1 years both funds cover.
FTCS vs HUSV Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% while HUSV returned +3.42%. Year to date, FTCS is up 6.41% versus a gain of 5.79% for HUSV.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +10.51% per year against +9.84% for HUSV; over five years the annualized figures are +6.06% and +5.65% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTCS has the edge at +9.82% annualized vs +8.08%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.0% compared with 13.3% for HUSV. 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 -31.9% for FTCS and -35.7% for HUSV. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while HUSV charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $70 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.22% against 1.52% for HUSV.
Holdings Overlap
37.7% of FTCS's money is in holdings HUSV also owns. 16.8% of HUSV's money is in holdings FTCS also owns.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
19 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 101 in HUSV, against full books of 102 and 202.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 80 positions for HUSV that do not appear in our book for FTCS (81.6% of the fund), and 31 for FTCS that do not appear in HUSV (62.2%).
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 FTCS | Weight in HUSV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPLApple, Inc | 2.07% | 2.27% | 0.20% |
| AFLAflac Inc | 1.85% | 2.30% | 0.45% |
| KOCoca Cola Co. | 2.17% | 1.13% | 1.04% |
| PGProcter & Gamble Company | 2.00% | 1.09% | 0.91% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson | 2.09% | 0.90% | 1.19% |
| CBChubb Limited Common Stock | 1.94% | 1.00% | 0.94% |
| VVisa Inc. Cl A | 2.08% | 0.84% | 1.24% |
| WRBWr Berkley Corp | 1.99% | 0.78% | 1.21% |
| SNASnap-On Inc. | 1.86% | 0.89% | 0.97% |
| TJXTjx Companies Inc | 1.78% | 0.94% | 0.84% |
37.7% of FTCS is already inside HUSV.
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, FTCS or HUSV?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while HUSV charges 0.70%. FTCS is the cheaper option, by $18 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCS or HUSV?
Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% vs +3.42% for HUSV, so FTCS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTCS annualized +9.82% vs +8.08% for HUSV. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCS or HUSV?
FTCS has been the more volatile fund at 14.0% annualized versus 13.3% for HUSV. Worst drawdown: FTCS -31.9% vs HUSV -35.7%.
Should I hold both FTCS and HUSV?
FTCS and HUSV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCS and HUSV?
37.7% of FTCS's money is in holdings HUSV also owns. 16.8% of HUSV's is in holdings FTCS also owns. They hold 19 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 101 in HUSV.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or HUSV?
FTCS yields 1.22% while HUSV yields 1.52%, so HUSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is HUSV better than FTCS?
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 22.7%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.