FCG vs. RONB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FCG (First Trust Natural Gas ETF) and RONB (Baron First Principles ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FCG is a Energy Equities fund tracking the ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index, while RONB is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Baron Capital. FCG is passively managed, while RONB is actively managed. At a correlation of -0.17, they often move in opposite directions. FCG charges 0.60%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for RONB.

Performance

FCG vs. RONB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FCG achieves a 17.54% return, which is significantly higher than RONB's -6.63% return.

FCG

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: -9.72%
• YTD: 17.54%
• 6M: 17.54%
• 1Y: 16.99%
• 3Y*: 10.20%
• 5Y*: 13.77%
• 10Y*: 3.91%

RONB

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: -1.56%
• YTD: -6.63%
• 6M: -8.36%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FCG vs. RONB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF	17.54%	-2.78%
RONB Baron First Principles ETF	-6.63%	-0.76%

Correlation

The correlation between FCG and RONB is -0.17, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2025	-0.17

Return for Risk

FCG vs. RONB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCG

FCG Risk / Return Rank: 20
FCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
FCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
FCG Omega Ratio Rank: 18
FCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
FCG Martin Ratio Rank: 23

RONB

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. RONB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) and Baron First Principles ETF (RONB). 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	RONB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.63	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.99	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.95	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.77	—	—

Drawdowns

FCG vs. RONB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCG drawdown since its inception was -97.20%, which is greater than RONB's maximum drawdown of -13.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCG and RONB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCG	RONB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-97.20%	-13.08%	-84.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.90%	—	—
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	-76.30%	-10.26%	-66.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-65.39%	-6.19%	-59.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.16%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FCG	RONB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.31%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.32%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.29%	20.43%	+6.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.43%	20.43%	+13.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	38.29%	20.43%	+17.86%

FCG vs. RONB - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCG has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than RONB's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCG vs. RONB - Dividend Comparison

FCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, while RONB has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF	2.33%	2.86%	2.76%	3.25%	3.04%	1.73%	3.82%	2.87%	1.46%	1.56%	1.70%	4.79%
RONB Baron First Principles ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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 RONB in my portfolio?

FCG and RONB have a correlation of -0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FCG or RONB?

On fees, FCG is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FCG or RONB?

FCG is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for RONB.

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

FCG has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 0.00% for RONB.

What is the main difference between FCG and RONB?

FCG is categorized as Energy Equities, while RONB is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Baron Capital. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FCG and 1.00% for RONB.