FTCS vs NTSX
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs WisdomTree US Efficient Core Fund
Which is better, FTCS or NTSX?
NTSX has been ahead.
NTSX has a lower expense ratio. NTSX led over 1Y, 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 | NTSX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.20%Best |
| AUM | $7.5B | $1.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 1.08% |
| Holdings | 102 | 506 |
| YTD Return | +6.41% | +8.74%Best |
| 1Y Return | +5.59% | +10.97%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +20.03%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.06% | +8.36%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1%Best | 16.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9% | -31.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,420 | $14,940Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | WisdomTree Investments |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Aug 2, 2018 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 2, 2018 to Oct 14, 2026 (8.2 years).
FTCS vs NTSX 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 8.2 years both funds cover.
FTCS vs NTSX Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and WisdomTree US Efficient Core Fund (NTSX) is an ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% while NTSX returned +10.97%. Year to date, FTCS is up 6.41% versus a gain of 8.74% for NTSX.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +10.51% per year against +20.03% for NTSX; over five years the annualized figures are +6.06% and +8.36% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, NTSX has the edge at +11.88% annualized vs +8.68%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NTSX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% compared with 15.1% 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 -31.9% for FTCS and -31.3% for NTSX. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while NTSX charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $20 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.22% against 1.08% for NTSX.
Holdings Overlap
At least 95.9% of FTCS's money is in holdings NTSX also owns.
Stated as a floor: for NTSX, our book for it covers 90.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of FTCS is already inside NTSX. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
48 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 501 in NTSX, against full books of 102 and 506.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTCS | Weight in NTSX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPLApple, Inc | 2.07% | 6.82% | 4.75% |
| VVisa Inc. Cl A | 2.08% | 1.01% | 1.07% |
| WMTWalmart, Inc. | 1.89% | 1.14% | 0.75% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson | 2.09% | 0.82% | 1.27% |
| MAMastercard Inc. Cl A | 2.10% | 0.72% | 1.38% |
| MRKMerck & Co. Inc. | 2.34% | 0.47% | 1.87% |
| KOCoca Cola Co. | 2.17% | 0.51% | 1.66% |
| CTOCostco Wholesale Corp | 2.02% | 0.55% | 1.47% |
| AMGNAmgen Inc | 2.27% | 0.27% | 2.00% |
| GILDGilead Sciences Inc | 2.23% | 0.25% | 1.98% |
95.9% of FTCS is already inside NTSX.
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 NTSX?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while NTSX charges 0.20%. NTSX is the cheaper option, by $32 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCS or NTSX?
Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% vs +10.97% for NTSX, so NTSX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FTCS annualized +8.68% vs +11.88% for NTSX. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCS or NTSX?
NTSX has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.1% for FTCS. Worst drawdown: FTCS -31.9% vs NTSX -31.3%.
Should I hold both FTCS and NTSX?
FTCS and NTSX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, 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 FTCS and NTSX?
At least 95.9% of FTCS's money is in holdings NTSX also owns. Our book for NTSX is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 48 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 501 in NTSX.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or NTSX?
FTCS yields 1.22% while NTSX yields 1.08%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is NTSX better than FTCS?
NTSX has a lower expense ratio. NTSX led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.