FTGC vs GSG
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund vs iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust
Which is better, FTGC or GSG?
Each has led over a different period.
GSG has a lower expense ratio. FTGC led over the full window, GSG over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
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 | FTGC | GSG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.75%Best |
| AUM | $3.4B | $1.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 14.28% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 40 | 22 |
| YTD Return | +37.58% | +58.65%Best |
| 1Y Return | +43.36% | +62.52%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.07% | +18.31%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.46% | +15.50%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6%Best | 22.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6%Best | -76.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,802 | $20,555Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Commodity |
| Style | Commodities | Commodities |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Jul 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 23, 2013 to Oct 14, 2026 (13 years).
FTGC vs GSG 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 13 years both funds cover.
FTGC vs GSG Performance
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FTGC returned +43.36% while GSG returned +62.52%. Year to date, FTGC is up 37.58% versus a gain of 58.65% for GSG.
Over three years, FTGC compounded at +18.07% per year against +18.31% for GSG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.46% and +15.50% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, FTGC has the edge at +3.66% annualized vs +1.07%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.1% compared with 13.6% for FTGC. 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 -60.6% for FTGC and -76.9% for GSG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGC charges 0.98% per year while GSG charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $75 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGC currently yields 14.28% against 0.00% for GSG.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTGC and GSG 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, FTGC or GSG?
FTGC has an expense ratio of 0.98% while GSG charges 0.75%. GSG is the cheaper option, by $23 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTGC or GSG?
Over the past year FTGC returned +43.36% vs +62.52% for GSG, so GSG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTGC annualized +3.66% vs +1.07% for GSG. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTGC or GSG?
GSG has been the more volatile fund at 22.1% annualized versus 13.6% for FTGC. Worst drawdown: FTGC -60.6% vs GSG -76.9%.
Should I hold both FTGC and GSG?
FTGC and GSG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, 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, FTGC or GSG?
FTGC yields 14.28% while GSG yields 0.00%, so FTGC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GSG better than FTGC?
GSG has a lower expense ratio. FTGC led over the full window, GSG over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.