FTCS vs IGLD
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF
Which is better, FTCS or IGLD?
Each has led over a different period.
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y, IGLD over 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | IGLD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52%Best | 0.85% |
| AUM | $7.5B | $596M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 24.76% |
| Holdings | 102 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +6.41%Best | -15.99% |
| 1Y Return | +5.59%Best | -11.90% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +16.23%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.06% | +10.02%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7%Best | 14.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -20.9%Best | -29.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,420 | $16,120Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Mar 2, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 3, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.6 years).
FTCS vs IGLD 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 5.6 years both funds cover.
FTCS vs IGLD Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% while IGLD returned -11.90%. Year to date, FTCS is up 6.41% versus a loss of 15.99% for IGLD.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +10.51% per year against +16.23% for IGLD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.06% and +10.02% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, IGLD has the edge at +9.34% annualized vs +8.43%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 13.7% 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 -20.9% for FTCS and -29.8% for IGLD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.31. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while IGLD charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $85 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.22% against 24.76% for IGLD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTCS and IGLD 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, FTCS or IGLD?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while IGLD charges 0.85%. FTCS is the cheaper option, by $33 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCS or IGLD?
Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% vs -11.90% for IGLD, so FTCS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FTCS annualized +8.43% vs +9.34% for IGLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCS or IGLD?
IGLD has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.7% for FTCS. Worst drawdown: FTCS -20.9% vs IGLD -29.8%.
Should I hold both FTCS and IGLD?
FTCS and IGLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or IGLD?
FTCS yields 1.22% while IGLD yields 24.76%, so IGLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is IGLD better than FTCS?
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y, IGLD over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.