MGOV vs SCEC
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF vs Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF
Which is better, MGOV or SCEC?
Nearly the same fund. SCEC costs less.
SCEC has a lower expense ratio. MGOV led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.
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 | SCEC |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.39%Best |
| AUM | $97M | $604M |
| Dividend Yield | 5.00% | 5.20% |
| Holdings | 406 | 360 |
| YTD Return | -2.85%Best | -6.25% |
| 1Y Return | -3.14%Best | -6.44% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.89% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.2% | 4.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3%Best | -7.9% |
| $10,000 over 1.6 years | $10,228Best | $9,796 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Sterling Capital Active ETF |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2023 | Mar 14, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight, Style.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 14, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.6 years).
MGOV vs SCEC 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 1.6 years both funds cover.
MGOV vs SCEC Performance
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF (SCEC) is an ETF from Sterling Capital Active ETF. Over the past year MGOV returned -3.14% while SCEC returned -6.44%. Year to date, MGOV is down 2.85% versus a loss of 6.25% for SCEC.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MGOV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.2% compared with 4.2% for SCEC. 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 -7.9% for SCEC. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. 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 SCEC charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $39 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MGOV currently yields 5.00% against 5.20% for SCEC.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 10 holdings in MGOV and 178 in SCEC, totalling 10.2% and 40.9% 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 178 in SCEC, against full books of 406 and 360.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MGOV and SCEC 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 SCEC?
MGOV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCEC charges 0.39%. SCEC is the cheaper option, by $11 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MGOV or SCEC?
Over the past year MGOV returned -3.14% vs -6.44% for SCEC, so MGOV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MGOV annualized +1.42% vs -1.28% for SCEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MGOV or SCEC?
MGOV has been the more volatile fund at 5.2% annualized versus 4.2% for SCEC. Worst drawdown: MGOV -6.3% vs SCEC -7.9%.
Should I hold both MGOV and SCEC?
MGOV and SCEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 SCEC?
MGOV yields 5.00% while SCEC yields 5.20%, so SCEC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCEC better than MGOV?
SCEC has a lower expense ratio. MGOV led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.