FTCS vs VICE
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs AdvisorShares Vice ETF
Which is better, FTCS or VICE?
FTCS has been ahead.
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 48.4%.
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 | VICE |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52%Best | 0.99% |
| AUM | $7.5B | $6M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 0.75% |
| Holdings | 102 | 25 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7%Best | 18.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9%Best | -40.8% |
| $10,000 over 8.7 years | $21,368Best | $14,642 |
| Top 10 Weight | 22.5%Best | 48.4% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Advisor Shares |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Dec 11, 2017 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized).
The two price series end 55 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 15, 2026 and VICE through Aug 21, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 8.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 13, 2017 to Aug 21, 2026 (8.7 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VICE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% compared with 14.7% 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 -31.9% for FTCS and -40.8% for VICE. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while VICE charges 0.99%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $99 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.22% against 0.75% for VICE.
Holdings Overlap
4.0% of FTCS's money is in holdings VICE also owns. 8.9% of VICE's money is in holdings FTCS also owns.
VICE and FTCS share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 94 days apart, FTCS as of Oct 2, 2026 and VICE as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
2 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 24 in VICE, against full books of 102 and 25.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 19 positions for VICE that do not appear in our book for FTCS (77.0% of the fund), and 48 for FTCS that do not appear in VICE (95.9%).
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.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTCS and VICE 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 VICE?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VICE charges 0.99%. FTCS is the cheaper option, by $47 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, FTCS or VICE?
VICE has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 14.7% for FTCS. Worst drawdown: FTCS -31.9% vs VICE -40.8%.
Should I hold both FTCS and VICE?
FTCS and VICE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, 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 VICE?
8.9% of VICE's money is in holdings FTCS also owns. 8.9% of VICE's is in holdings FTCS also owns. They hold 2 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 24 in VICE.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or VICE?
FTCS yields 1.22% while VICE yields 0.75%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VICE better than FTCS?
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 48.4%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.