ESN vs. FTAG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) and FTAG (First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - ESN tracks the Essential 40 Stock Index while FTAG tracks the Indxx Global Agriculture Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ESN returned 26.37% vs 10.13% for FTAG. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

ESN vs. FTAG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESN achieves a 14.03% return, which is significantly higher than FTAG's 8.00% return.

ESN

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -0.37%
• YTD: 14.03%
• 6M: 13.86%
• 1Y: 26.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTAG

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -2.64%
• YTD: 8.00%
• 6M: 8.40%
• 1Y: 10.13%
• 3Y*: 4.14%
• 5Y*: 1.55%
• 10Y*: 5.50%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ESN vs. FTAG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	14.03%	16.52%	-3.53%
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	8.00%	14.82%	-6.69%

Correlation

The correlation between ESN and FTAG is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2024	0.55

The correlation between ESN and FTAG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.55 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ESN vs. FTAG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 83
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 80
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 83

FTAG

FTAG Risk / Return Rank: 21
FTAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
FTAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
FTAG Omega Ratio Rank: 20
FTAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
FTAG Martin Ratio Rank: 21

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ESN vs. FTAG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ESN	FTAG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	0.72	+1.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.65	1.12	+2.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.13	+0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.12	1.06	+3.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.22	2.47	+13.75

ESN vs. FTAG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESN Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is higher than the FTAG Sharpe Ratio of 0.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESN and FTAG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ESN vs. FTAG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESN drawdown since its inception was -13.60%, smaller than the maximum FTAG drawdown of -90.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESN and FTAG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESN	FTAG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.60%	-90.89%	+77.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.42%	-9.56%	+3.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.87%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.77%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.61%	-79.11%	+77.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.86%	-71.25%	+69.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.63%	4.11%	-2.48%

Volatility

ESN vs. FTAG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) is 3.29%, while First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) has a volatility of 3.88%. This indicates that ESN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTAG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESN	FTAG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.29%	3.88%	-0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.45%	10.87%	-3.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.04%	14.15%	-4.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.29%	17.40%	-4.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.29%	19.65%	-6.36%

ESN vs. FTAG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ESN and FTAG have an expense ratio of 0.70%.

Dividends

ESN vs. FTAG - Dividend Comparison

ESN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, less than FTAG's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.80%	0.91%	0.76%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	1.41%	1.39%	2.89%	3.68%	1.77%	1.58%	1.72%	2.33%	2.16%	1.26%	0.61%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESN and FTAG in my portfolio?

ESN and FTAG have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESN or FTAG?

FTAG has higher volatility (3.88%) compared to ESN (3.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESN dropped -13.60% vs FTAG's -90.89%.

Which ETF is better, ESN or FTAG?

On 1-year performance, ESN leads with 26.37% vs 10.13% for FTAG. Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. On volatility, ESN has been the lower-risk option at 3.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESN or FTAG?

Over the 1-year period, ESN has performed better with a 26.37% return vs 10.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESN or FTAG?

ESN and FTAG have the same expense ratio: 0.70% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESN or FTAG?

FTAG has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 0.80% for ESN.

What is the main difference between ESN and FTAG?

ESN tracks Essential 40 Stock Index, while FTAG tracks Indxx Global Agriculture Index. They also come from different issuers: KKM Financial and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 0.72), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.