FPAS vs. MGOV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FPAS (FPA Short Duration Government ETF) and MGOV (First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF) are both Government Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FPAS returned 3.02% vs 6.73% for MGOV. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FPAS charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for MGOV.

Performance

FPAS vs. MGOV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FPA Short Duration Government ETF (FPAS) and First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FPAS achieves a -0.75% return, which is significantly lower than MGOV's 0.19% return.

FPAS

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -0.21%
• YTD: -0.75%
• 6M: -0.62%
• 1Y: 3.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MGOV

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -0.19%
• YTD: 0.19%
• 6M: -0.01%
• 1Y: 6.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FPAS vs. MGOV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FPAS FPA Short Duration Government ETF	-0.75%	7.15%	-0.03%
MGOV First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF	0.19%	8.54%	-0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between FPAS and MGOV is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 4, 2024	0.75

The correlation between FPAS and MGOV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FPAS vs. MGOV — Risk / Return Rank

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

FPAS

FPAS Risk / Return Rank: 26
FPAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
FPAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
FPAS Omega Ratio Rank: 25
FPAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
FPAS Martin Ratio Rank: 27

MGOV

MGOV Risk / Return Rank: 41
MGOV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
MGOV Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
MGOV Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MGOV Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
MGOV Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

FPAS vs. MGOV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FPA Short Duration Government ETF (FPAS) and First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV). 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.

	FPAS	MGOV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.93	1.46	-0.52
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	2.16	-0.77
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.26	-0.09
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.23	1.92	-0.69
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.71	5.87	-2.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FPAS vs. MGOV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FPAS Sharpe Ratio is 0.93, which is lower than the MGOV Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FPAS and MGOV, 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

	FPAS	MGOV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93	1.46	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.98	0.88	+0.09

Drawdowns

FPAS vs. MGOV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FPAS drawdown since its inception was -2.47%, smaller than the maximum MGOV drawdown of -6.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FPAS and MGOV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FPAS	MGOV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.47%	-6.11%	+3.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.47%	-3.53%	+1.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.85%	-2.38%	+0.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.67%	-1.62%	+0.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.82%	1.15%	-0.33%

Volatility

FPAS vs. MGOV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FPA Short Duration Government ETF (FPAS) is 1.10%, while First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) has a volatility of 1.70%. This indicates that FPAS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MGOV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FPAS	MGOV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.10%	1.70%	-0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.24%	3.22%	-0.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.25%	4.64%	-1.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.09%	5.95%	-1.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.09%	5.95%	-1.86%

FPAS vs. MGOV - Expense Ratio Comparison

FPAS has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than MGOV's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

FPAS vs. MGOV - Dividend Comparison

FPAS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.78%, less than MGOV's 4.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FPAS FPA Short Duration Government ETF	4.78%	4.75%	0.68%	0.00%
MGOV First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF	4.98%	4.95%	5.05%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FPAS and MGOV in my portfolio?

FPAS and MGOV have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FPAS or MGOV?

MGOV has higher volatility (1.70%) compared to FPAS (1.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FPAS dropped -2.47% vs MGOV's -6.11%.

Which ETF is better, FPAS or MGOV?

On 1-year performance, MGOV leads with 6.73% vs 3.02% for FPAS. On fees, FPAS is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, FPAS has been the lower-risk option at 1.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FPAS or MGOV?

Over the 1-year period, MGOV has performed better with a 6.73% return vs 3.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FPAS or MGOV?

FPAS is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for MGOV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FPAS or MGOV?

MGOV has the higher dividend yield at 4.98%, compared with 4.78% for FPAS.

What is the main difference between FPAS and MGOV?

They also come from different issuers: FPA and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FPAS and 0.65% for MGOV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGOV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.46 vs 0.93), 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.