MGOV vs RFCI
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF vs ALPS Dynamic Core Income ETF
Which is better, MGOV or RFCI?
Nearly the same fund. MGOV costs less.
MGOV has a lower expense ratio. RFCI led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98.
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 | MGOV | RFCI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50%Best | 0.51% |
| AUM | $97M | $13M |
| Dividend Yield | 5.00% | 4.76% |
| Holdings | 406 | 48 |
| YTD Return | -2.85% | -1.66%Best |
| 1Y Return | -3.14% | -1.45%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.89% | +4.92%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +1.12% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7% | 5.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -4.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.2 years | $11,133 | $11,295Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | ALPS Advisors |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2023 | Jun 13, 2016 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight, Style.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 3, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.2 years).
MGOV vs RFCI 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 3.2 years both funds cover.
MGOV vs RFCI Performance
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and ALPS Dynamic Core Income ETF (RFCI) is an ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year MGOV returned -3.14% while RFCI returned -1.45%. Year to date, MGOV is down 2.85% versus a loss of 1.66% for RFCI.
Over three years, MGOV compounded at +4.89% per year against +4.92% for RFCI.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MGOV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.7% compared with 5.0% for RFCI. 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 -6.3% for MGOV and -4.3% for RFCI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MGOV charges 0.50% per year while RFCI charges 0.51%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $51 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MGOV currently yields 5.00% against 4.76% for RFCI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 10 holdings in MGOV and 37 in RFCI, totalling 10.2% and 83.6% 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 10 positions we hold weights for in MGOV and 37 in RFCI, against full books of 406 and 48.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MGOV and RFCI 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, MGOV or RFCI?
MGOV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while RFCI charges 0.51%. MGOV is the cheaper option, by $1 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MGOV or RFCI?
Over the past year MGOV returned -3.14% vs -1.45% for RFCI, so RFCI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MGOV or RFCI?
MGOV has been the more volatile fund at 6.7% annualized versus 5.0% for RFCI. Worst drawdown: MGOV -6.3% vs RFCI -4.3%.
Should I hold both MGOV and RFCI?
MGOV and RFCI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGOV or RFCI?
MGOV yields 5.00% while RFCI yields 4.76%, so MGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is RFCI better than MGOV?
MGOV has a lower expense ratio. RFCI led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.