FTCS vs PWRD
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs TCW Transform Systems ETF
Which is better, FTCS or PWRD?
Each has led over a different period.
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y, PWRD over 3Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 50.6%.
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 | PWRD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52%Best | 0.75% |
| AUM | $7.5B | $1.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 0.06% |
| Holdings | 102 | 56 |
| YTD Return | +6.41%Best | +3.29% |
| 1Y Return | +5.59%Best | +2.06% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +25.66%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.06% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.1%Best | 23.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -15.6%Best | -25.9% |
| $10,000 over 4.7 years | $13,226 | $21,348Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 22.5%Best | 50.6% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | TCW ETFs |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Feb 2, 2022 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 3, 2022 to Oct 14, 2026 (4.7 years).
FTCS vs PWRD 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 4.7 years both funds cover.
FTCS vs PWRD Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) is an ETF from TCW ETFs. Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% while PWRD returned +2.06%. Year to date, FTCS is up 6.41% versus a gain of 3.29% for PWRD.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +10.51% per year against +25.66% for PWRD.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PWRD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.2% compared with 13.1% 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 -15.6% for FTCS and -25.9% for PWRD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.57. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while PWRD charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $75 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.22% against 0.06% for PWRD.
Holdings Overlap
1.9% of FTCS's money is in holdings PWRD also owns. 4.3% of PWRD's money is in holdings FTCS also owns.
PWRD and FTCS share little of their money.
1 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 28 in PWRD, against full books of 102 and 56.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 21 positions for PWRD that do not appear in our book for FTCS (77.0% of the fund), and 49 for FTCS that do not appear in PWRD (98.0%).
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 PWRD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNPUnion Pacific Corp | 1.91% | 4.29% | 2.38% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTCS and PWRD 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 PWRD?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while PWRD charges 0.75%. FTCS is the cheaper option, by $23 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCS or PWRD?
Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% vs +2.06% for PWRD, so FTCS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCS or PWRD?
PWRD has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 13.1% for FTCS. Worst drawdown: FTCS -15.6% vs PWRD -25.9%.
Should I hold both FTCS and PWRD?
FTCS and PWRD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, 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 PWRD?
4.3% of PWRD's money is in holdings FTCS also owns. 4.3% of PWRD's is in holdings FTCS also owns. They hold 1 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 28 in PWRD.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or PWRD?
FTCS yields 1.22% while PWRD yields 0.06%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PWRD better than FTCS?
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y, PWRD over 3Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 50.6%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.