FCG vs. FAN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FCG (First Trust Natural Gas ETF) and FAN (First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FCG is a Energy Equities fund tracking the ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index, while FAN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the ISE Clean Edge Global Wind Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FCG returned 4.65%/yr vs 9.99%/yr for FAN. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FCG charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for FAN.

Performance

FCG vs. FAN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) and First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FCG having a 27.71% return and FAN slightly lower at 26.38%. Over the past 10 years, FCG has underperformed FAN with an annualized return of 4.65%, while FAN has yielded a comparatively higher 9.99% annualized return.

FCG

• 1D: 1.02%
• 1M: -6.03%
• YTD: 27.71%
• 6M: 20.12%
• 1Y: 32.99%
• 3Y*: 12.75%
• 5Y*: 16.52%
• 10Y*: 4.65%

FAN

• 1D: -1.18%
• 1M: -2.78%
• YTD: 26.38%
• 6M: 29.44%
• 1Y: 51.04%
• 3Y*: 15.25%
• 5Y*: 5.48%
• 10Y*: 9.99%

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

FCG vs. FAN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF	27.71%	-2.28%	4.16%	2.55%	47.24%	98.49%	-23.20%	-15.76%	-34.81%	-11.38%
FAN First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF	26.38%	40.38%	-8.96%	-3.20%	-13.12%	-11.63%	61.16%	31.22%	-11.40%	16.30%

Correlation

The correlation between FCG and FAN is -0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 2008	0.43

The correlation between FCG and FAN shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (1 year) to 0.43 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FCG vs. FAN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FCG	FAN
Energy	99.2%	1.2%
Technology	0.8%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.2%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	1.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	43.6%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	53.5%

Return for Risk

FCG vs. FAN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCG

FCG Risk / Return Rank: 36
FCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
FCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
FCG Omega Ratio Rank: 30
FCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
FCG Martin Ratio Rank: 36

FAN

FAN Risk / Return Rank: 80
FAN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
FAN Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
FAN Omega Ratio Rank: 71
FAN Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
FAN Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

FCG vs. FAN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) and First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN). 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.

	FCG	FAN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.24	2.59	-1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.69	3.33	-1.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.43	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	6.65	-4.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.56	18.73	-13.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FCG vs. FAN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FCG Sharpe Ratio is 1.24, which is lower than the FAN Sharpe Ratio of 2.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FCG and FAN, 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

	FCG	FAN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.24	2.59	-1.35
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.26	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.12	0.48	-0.35
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.11	0.05	-0.16

Drawdowns

FCG vs. FAN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCG drawdown since its inception was -97.20%, which is greater than FAN's maximum drawdown of -79.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCG and FAN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCG	FAN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-97.20%	-79.84%	-17.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.07%	-7.71%	-5.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.44%	-24.97%	-4.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.33%	-38.45%	+5.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-85.04%	-46.29%	-38.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-74.25%	-4.99%	-69.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-65.38%	-45.02%	-20.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.95%	2.73%	+3.22%

Volatility

FCG vs. FAN - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) has a higher volatility of 9.60% compared to First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN) at 6.73%. This indicates that FCG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FCG	FAN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.60%	6.73%	+2.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.15%	15.03%	+5.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.75%	19.78%	+6.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.46%	21.29%	+12.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	38.30%	21.06%	+17.24%

FCG vs. FAN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCG has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than FAN's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCG vs. FAN - Dividend Comparison

FCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.15%, more than FAN's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAN First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF	0.98%	1.35%	1.52%	1.71%	1.50%	1.79%	0.84%	2.42%	2.67%	2.59%	6.04%	2.35%
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF	2.15%	2.86%	2.76%	3.25%	3.04%	1.73%	3.82%	2.87%	1.46%	1.56%	1.70%	4.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FCG and FAN in my portfolio?

FCG and FAN have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FCG or FAN?

FCG has higher volatility (9.60%) compared to FAN (6.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCG dropped -97.20% vs FAN's -79.84%.

Which ETF is better, FCG or FAN?

On 10-year performance, FAN leads with 9.99% vs 4.65% for FCG. On fees, FCG is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FAN has been the lower-risk option at 6.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FCG or FAN?

Over the 10-year period, FAN has performed better with a 9.99% return vs 4.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FCG or FAN?

FCG is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for FAN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FCG or FAN?

FCG has the higher dividend yield at 2.15%, compared with 0.98% for FAN.

What is the main difference between FCG and FAN?

FCG is categorized as Energy Equities, while FAN is Alternative Energy Equities. FCG tracks ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index, while FAN tracks ISE Clean Edge Global Wind Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FCG and 0.62% for FAN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.59 vs 1.24), 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.