FCA vs. NBCE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FCA (First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund) and NBCE (Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF) are both China Equities funds. FCA is passively managed, while NBCE is actively managed. Over the past year, FCA returned 44.72% vs 62.96% for NBCE. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FCA charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.74%/yr for NBCE.

Performance

FCA vs. NBCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund (FCA) and Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF (NBCE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FCA achieves a 11.99% return, which is significantly lower than NBCE's 25.28% return.

FCA

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: -2.70%
• YTD: 11.99%
• 6M: 10.11%
• 1Y: 44.72%
• 3Y*: 20.23%
• 5Y*: 5.03%
• 10Y*: 9.93%

NBCE

• 1D: 1.96%
• 1M: 7.84%
• YTD: 25.28%
• 6M: 29.54%
• 1Y: 62.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FCA vs. NBCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FCA First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund	11.99%	45.20%	14.07%	0.72%
NBCE Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF	25.28%	39.08%	3.35%	-2.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FCA and NBCE is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2023	0.63

The correlation between FCA and NBCE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

FCA vs. NBCE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FCA	NBCE
Industrials	25.2%	17.3%
Financial Services	19.7%	15.2%
Basic Materials	19.1%	13.7%
Energy	14.8%	3.5%
Technology	10.3%	28.7%
Healthcare	3.0%	4.6%
Communication Services	2.9%	1.2%
Utilities	2.4%	1.7%
Real Estate	1.1%	0.9%
Consumer Cyclical	1.1%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	5.5%

Return for Risk

FCA vs. NBCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCA

FCA Risk / Return Rank: 62
FCA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
FCA Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
FCA Omega Ratio Rank: 55
FCA Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
FCA Martin Ratio Rank: 64

NBCE

NBCE Risk / Return Rank: 91
NBCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
NBCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
NBCE Omega Ratio Rank: 90
NBCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
NBCE Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

FCA vs. NBCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund (FCA) and Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF (NBCE). 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.

	FCA	NBCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	3.41	-1.39
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	4.34	-1.76
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.59	-0.24
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.04	6.84	-2.81
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.48	22.99	-11.52
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FCA vs. NBCE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FCA Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is lower than the NBCE Sharpe Ratio of 3.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FCA and NBCE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FCA	NBCE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.02	3.41	-1.39
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.18	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.13	1.01	-0.87

Drawdowns

FCA vs. NBCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCA drawdown since its inception was -45.56%, which is greater than NBCE's maximum drawdown of -28.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCA and NBCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCA	NBCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.56%	-28.42%	-17.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.13%	-9.23%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.13%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.47%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.50%	-0.97%	-7.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.62%	-9.15%	-12.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.91%	2.75%	+1.16%

Volatility

FCA vs. NBCE - Volatility Comparison

First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund (FCA) has a higher volatility of 8.33% compared to Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF (NBCE) at 7.21%. This indicates that FCA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NBCE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FCA	NBCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.33%	7.21%	+1.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.57%	13.43%	+3.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.29%	18.58%	+3.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.59%	24.06%	+3.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.63%	24.06%	+2.57%

FCA vs. NBCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCA has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than NBCE's 0.74% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCA vs. NBCE - Dividend Comparison

FCA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.30%, more than NBCE's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCA First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund	2.30%	2.67%	5.17%	5.70%	6.00%	4.91%	4.12%	3.73%	3.10%	2.30%	2.51%	4.13%
NBCE Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF	1.06%	1.32%	1.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FCA and NBCE in my portfolio?

FCA and NBCE have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FCA or NBCE?

FCA has higher volatility (8.33%) compared to NBCE (7.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCA dropped -45.56% vs NBCE's -28.42%.

Which ETF is better, FCA or NBCE?

On 1-year performance, NBCE leads with 62.96% vs 44.72% for FCA. On fees, NBCE is cheaper at 0.74% per year. On volatility, NBCE has been the lower-risk option at 7.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FCA or NBCE?

Over the 1-year period, NBCE has performed better with a 62.96% return vs 44.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FCA or NBCE?

NBCE is cheaper with a 0.74% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FCA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FCA or NBCE?

FCA has the higher dividend yield at 2.30%, compared with 1.06% for NBCE.

What is the main difference between FCA and NBCE?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Neuberger Berman. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FCA and 0.74% for NBCE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NBCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.41 vs 2.02), 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.