FTCS vs LVOL
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs American Century Low Volatility ETF
Which is better, FTCS or LVOL?
Nearly the same fund. LVOL costs less.
LVOL has a lower expense ratio. LVOL led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95.
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 | LVOL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.29%Best |
| AUM | $7.5B | $9M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 1.09% |
| Holdings | 102 | 201 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 14.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.9%Best | -22.4% |
| $10,000 over 4.3 years | $13,599 | $13,730Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | American Century Investments |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Jan 12, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 540 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. FTCS has data through Oct 14, 2026 and LVOL through Apr 22, 2025.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 19, 2021 to Apr 22, 2025 (4.3 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% compared with 14.4% for LVOL. 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 -22.4% for LVOL. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.95. 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 LVOL charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $29 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.22% against 1.09% for LVOL.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTCS and LVOL 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 LVOL?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while LVOL charges 0.29%. LVOL is the cheaper option, by $23 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, FTCS or LVOL?
FTCS has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 14.4% for LVOL. Worst drawdown: FTCS -20.9% vs LVOL -22.4%.
Should I hold both FTCS and LVOL?
FTCS and LVOL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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, FTCS or LVOL?
FTCS yields 1.22% while LVOL yields 1.09%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is LVOL better than FTCS?
LVOL has a lower expense ratio. LVOL led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.