FTCS vs WLTG
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF
Which is better, FTCS or WLTG?
WLTG has been ahead.
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. WLTG led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 46.5%.
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 | WLTG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52%Best | 0.74% |
| AUM | $7.5B | $77M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 4.08% |
| Holdings | 102 | 87 |
| YTD Return | +6.41% | +7.96%Best |
| 1Y Return | +5.59% | +13.35%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +22.48%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.06% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.5%Best | 13.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -20.9%Best | -25.1% |
| $10,000 over 4.9 years | $12,814 | $15,797Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 22.5%Best | 46.5% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | WealthTrust Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Dec 6, 2021 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 7, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (4.9 years).
FTCS vs WLTG 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 4.9 years both funds cover.
FTCS vs WLTG Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (WLTG) is an ETF from WealthTrust Asset Management. Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% while WLTG returned +13.35%. Year to date, FTCS is up 6.41% versus a gain of 7.96% for WLTG.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +10.51% per year against +22.48% for WLTG.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WLTG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 13.5% 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 -20.9% for FTCS and -25.1% for WLTG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while WLTG charges 0.74%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $74 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.22% against 4.08% for WLTG.
Holdings Overlap
6.3% of FTCS's money is in holdings WLTG also owns. 4.6% of WLTG's money is in holdings FTCS also owns.
FTCS and WLTG share little of their money.
3 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 41 in WLTG, against full books of 102 and 87.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 36 positions for WLTG that do not appear in our book for FTCS (89.8% of the fund), and 47 for FTCS that do not appear in WLTG (93.6%).
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 WLTG 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 WLTG?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while WLTG charges 0.74%. FTCS is the cheaper option, by $22 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCS or WLTG?
Over the past year FTCS returned +5.59% vs +13.35% for WLTG, so WLTG leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCS or WLTG?
WLTG has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 13.5% for FTCS. Worst drawdown: FTCS -20.9% vs WLTG -25.1%.
Should I hold both FTCS and WLTG?
FTCS and WLTG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, 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 WLTG?
6.3% of FTCS's money is in holdings WLTG also owns. 4.6% of WLTG's is in holdings FTCS also owns. They hold 3 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 41 in WLTG.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or WLTG?
FTCS yields 1.22% while WLTG yields 4.08%, so WLTG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is WLTG better than FTCS?
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. WLTG led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 46.5%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.