FCG vs. XLE
Compare and contrast key facts about First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) and Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE).
FCG and XLE are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. FCG is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index. It was launched on May 8, 2007. XLE is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the Energy Select Sector Index. It was launched on Dec 16, 1998. Both FCG and XLE are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: FCG or XLE.
Key characteristics
| FCG | XLE | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 5.63% | 14.60% |
| 1Y Return | 4.63% | 15.47% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 14.12% | 22.36% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 22.60% | 14.95% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | -8.02% | 4.88% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.23 | 0.92 |
| Sortino Ratio | 0.47 | 1.33 |
| Omega Ratio | 1.06 | 1.17 |
| Calmar Ratio | 0.06 | 1.22 |
| Martin Ratio | 0.66 | 2.86 |
| Ulcer Index | 7.91% | 5.71% |
| Daily Std Dev | 22.12% | 17.81% |
| Max Drawdown | -97.20% | -71.54% |
| Current Drawdown | -79.07% | -2.82% |
Correlation
The correlation between FCG and XLE is 0.88, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
FCG vs. XLE - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, FCG achieves a 5.63% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 14.60% return. Over the past 10 years, FCG has underperformed XLE with an annualized return of -8.02%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively higher 4.88% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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FCG vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison
FCG has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.13% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
FCG vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) and Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE). 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.
Dividends
FCG vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison
FCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.09%, less than XLE's 3.18% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF | 3.09% | 3.25% | 3.04% | 1.73% | 3.83% | 2.88% | 1.46% | 1.56% | 1.69% | 4.82% | 1.34% | 0.35% |
XLE Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund | 3.18% | 3.55% | 3.68% | 4.21% | 5.62% | 5.73% | 3.54% | 3.03% | 2.26% | 3.39% | 2.35% | 1.73% |
Drawdowns
FCG vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FCG drawdown since its inception was -97.20%, which is greater than XLE's maximum drawdown of -71.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCG and XLE. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
FCG vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison
First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) has a higher volatility of 7.67% compared to Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) at 5.94%. This indicates that FCG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.