FCG vs. GXPE

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

FCG (First Trust Natural Gas ETF) and GXPE (Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - FCG tracks the Nasdaq FactSet Natural Gas Index while GXPE tracks the MSCI USA Energy PureCap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FCG returned 30.04% vs 40.31% for GXPE. Their correlation of 0.87 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FCG charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for GXPE.

Performance

FCG vs. GXPE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FCG achieves a 25.55% return, which is significantly lower than GXPE's 32.81% return.

FCG

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 10.02%
• 6M: 18.75%
• YTD: 25.55%
• 1Y: 30.04%
• 3Y*: 6.75%
• 5Y*: 19.99%
• 10Y*: 4.37%
• ALL TIME*: -4.48%

GXPE

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 10.87%
• 6M: 18.43%
• YTD: 32.81%
• 1Y: 40.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 37.64%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF	$20.29M	$18.94M	$23.89M
GXPE Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF	$29.80K	$20.93K	$24.13K

FCG vs. GXPE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF	25.55%	2.72%
GXPE Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF	32.81%	4.62%

Correlation

The correlation between FCG and GXPE is 0.87, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2025	0.87

The correlation between FCG and GXPE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FCG vs. GXPE — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FCG

FCG Risk / Return Rank: 40
FCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
FCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
FCG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
FCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
FCG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

GXPE

GXPE Risk / Return Rank: 68
GXPE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
GXPE Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
GXPE Omega Ratio Rank: 69
GXPE Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
GXPE Martin Ratio Rank: 54

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FCG vs. GXPE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	FCG	GXPE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.95	-0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.55	2.55	-1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.32	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.53	2.58	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.84	6.83	-2.99

FCG vs. GXPE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FCG Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is lower than the GXPE Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FCG and GXPE, 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

FCG vs. GXPE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCG drawdown since its inception was -97.20%, which is greater than GXPE's maximum drawdown of -15.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCG and GXPE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCG	GXPE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-97.20%	-15.73%	-81.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.67%	-15.73%	-3.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.44%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.33%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-85.04%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-74.69%	-5.72%	-68.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-65.45%	-4.28%	-61.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.85%	5.92%	+1.93%

Volatility

FCG vs. GXPE - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) has a higher volatility of 8.92% compared to Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF (GXPE) at 6.12%. This indicates that FCG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GXPE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FCG	GXPE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.92%	6.12%	+2.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.33%	16.79%	+4.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.35%	20.77%	+6.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.06%	20.65%	+12.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	38.24%	20.65%	+17.59%

FCG vs. GXPE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCG has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than GXPE's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCG vs. GXPE - Dividend Comparison

FCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.19%, more than GXPE's 2.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF	2.19%	2.86%	2.76%	3.25%	3.04%	1.73%	3.82%	2.87%	1.46%	1.56%	1.70%	4.79%
GXPE Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF	2.10%	1.20%	0.00%	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 FCG and GXPE in my portfolio?

FCG and GXPE have a correlation of 0.87, 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 GXPE?

FCG has higher volatility (8.92%) compared to GXPE (6.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCG dropped -97.20% vs GXPE's -15.73%.

Which ETF is better, FCG or GXPE?

On 1-year performance, GXPE leads with 40.31% vs 30.04% for FCG. On fees, GXPE is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, GXPE has been the lower-risk option at 6.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FCG or GXPE?

Over the 1-year period, GXPE has performed better with a 40.31% return vs 30.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FCG or GXPE?

GXPE is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for FCG.

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

FCG has the higher dividend yield at 2.19%, compared with 2.10% for GXPE.

What is the main difference between FCG and GXPE?

FCG tracks Nasdaq FactSet Natural Gas Index, while GXPE tracks MSCI USA Energy PureCap Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for FCG and 0.15% for GXPE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GXPE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.11), 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.