FTCS vs XLSR
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs State Street US Sector Rotation ETF
Which is better, FTCS or XLSR?
XLSR has been ahead.
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. XLSR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 85.3%.
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 | XLSR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52%Best | 0.70% |
| AUM | $7.5B | $1.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 0.40% |
| Holdings | 102 | 26 |
| YTD Return | +7.80% | +8.22%Best |
| 1Y Return | +7.60% | +12.87%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.98% | +17.59%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.21% | +9.72%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0%Best | 16.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9%Best | -32.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,515 | $15,901Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 22.5%Best | 85.3% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Apr 2, 2019 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 3, 2019 to Oct 15, 2026 (7.5 years).
FTCS vs XLSR 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 7.5 years both funds cover.
FTCS vs XLSR Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street US Sector Rotation ETF (XLSR) is an ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FTCS returned +7.60% while XLSR returned +12.87%. Year to date, FTCS is up 7.80% versus a gain of 8.22% for XLSR.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +10.98% per year against +17.59% for XLSR; over five years the annualized figures are +6.21% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, XLSR has the edge at +12.38% annualized vs +9.25%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLSR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 15.0% 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 -32.9% for XLSR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while XLSR charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $70 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.22% against 0.40% for XLSR.
Holdings Overlap
2.1% of FTCS's money is in holdings XLSR also owns. 4.1% of XLSR's money is in holdings FTCS also owns.
XLSR and FTCS share little of their money.
1 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 25 in XLSR, against full books of 102 and 26.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 50 and 25 positions we hold weights for.
FTCS holds 49 positions XLSR does not, 97.8% of the fund.
Largest: MRK 2.34%, GRMN 2.33%, ABNB 2.30%, AMGN 2.27%, RMD 2.27%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTCS | Weight in XLSR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPLApple, Inc | 2.07% | 4.12% | 2.05% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTCS and XLSR 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 XLSR?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while XLSR charges 0.70%. FTCS is the cheaper option, by $18 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCS or XLSR?
Over the past year FTCS returned +7.60% vs +12.87% for XLSR, so XLSR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FTCS annualized +9.25% vs +12.38% for XLSR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCS or XLSR?
XLSR has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.0% for FTCS. Worst drawdown: FTCS -31.9% vs XLSR -32.9%.
Should I hold both FTCS and XLSR?
FTCS and XLSR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, 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 XLSR?
4.1% of XLSR's money is in holdings FTCS also owns. 4.1% of XLSR'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 25 in XLSR.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or XLSR?
FTCS yields 1.22% while XLSR yields 0.40%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XLSR better than FTCS?
FTCS has a lower expense ratio. XLSR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 22.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 85.3%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.