FTCS vs SHUS
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs Stratified LargeCap Hedged ETF
Which is better, FTCS or SHUS?
Each has led over a different period.
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 5Y and the full window, SHUS over 1Y and 3Y.
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 | SHUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52%Best | 0.79% |
| AUM | $7.5B | $25M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 1.27% |
| Holdings | 102 | 7 |
| YTD Return | +6.41% | +10.12%Best |
| 1Y Return | +5.59% | +12.37%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +11.36%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.06%Best | +6.03% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.9% | 11.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.9% | -14.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,420Best | $13,401 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Syntax Stratified |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Jun 15, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 16, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.3 years).
FTCS vs SHUS 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 5.3 years both funds cover.
FTCS vs SHUS Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Stratified LargeCap Hedged ETF (SHUS) is an ETF from Syntax Stratified. Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% while SHUS returned +12.37%. Year to date, FTCS is up 6.41% versus a gain of 10.12% for SHUS.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +10.51% per year against +11.36% for SHUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.06% and +6.03% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.9% compared with 11.4% for SHUS. 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 -14.3% for SHUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while SHUS charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $79 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.22% against 1.27% for SHUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 50 holdings in FTCS and 1 in SHUS, totalling 99.9% and 99.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 1 in SHUS, against full books of 102 and 7.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTCS and SHUS 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 SHUS?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while SHUS charges 0.79%. FTCS is the cheaper option, by $27 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCS or SHUS?
Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% vs +12.37% for SHUS, so SHUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCS or SHUS?
FTCS has been the more volatile fund at 13.9% annualized versus 11.4% for SHUS. Worst drawdown: FTCS -20.9% vs SHUS -14.3%.
Should I hold both FTCS and SHUS?
FTCS and SHUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, 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 SHUS?
FTCS yields 1.22% while SHUS yields 1.27%, so SHUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SHUS better than FTCS?
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 5Y and the full window, SHUS over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.