FSTA vs. FTXG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FSTA (Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF) and FTXG (First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF) are both Consumer Staples Equities funds - FSTA tracks the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index while FTXG tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FSTA returned 6.89%/yr vs -0.40%/yr for FTXG. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSTA charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXG.

Performance

FSTA vs. FTXG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSTA achieves a 7.00% return, which is significantly higher than FTXG's 4.86% return.

FSTA

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: -2.16%
• YTD: 7.00%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 4.87%
• 3Y*: 7.43%
• 5Y*: 6.89%
• 10Y*: 7.72%

FTXG

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -2.12%
• YTD: 4.86%
• 6M: 3.69%
• 1Y: 0.50%
• 3Y*: -3.02%
• 5Y*: -0.40%
• 10Y*: —

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

FSTA vs. FTXG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	7.00%	1.82%	13.31%	2.29%	-1.72%	17.44%	10.96%	26.84%	-8.49%	12.71%
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	4.86%	-6.52%	-2.52%	-6.48%	6.15%	13.48%	6.63%	23.97%	-12.09%	5.64%

Correlation

The correlation between FSTA and FTXG is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2016	0.64

The correlation between FSTA and FTXG shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (all time) to 0.81 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FSTA vs. FTXG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSTA	FTXG
Consumer Defensive	97.6%	94.3%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	-
Industrials	0.3%	1.5%
Basic Materials	0.3%	4.2%
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FSTA vs. FTXG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSTA

FSTA Risk / Return Rank: 13
FSTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
FSTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
FSTA Omega Ratio Rank: 13
FSTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
FSTA Martin Ratio Rank: 13

FTXG

FTXG Risk / Return Rank: 9
FTXG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
FTXG Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
FTXG Omega Ratio Rank: 8
FTXG Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
FTXG Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

FSTA vs. FTXG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG). 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.

	FSTA	FTXG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.39	0.04	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.64	0.15	+0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.02	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.53	0.05	+0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.04	0.09	+0.95

FSTA vs. FTXG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSTA Sharpe Ratio is 0.39, which is higher than the FTXG Sharpe Ratio of 0.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSTA and FTXG, 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

FSTA vs. FTXG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSTA drawdown since its inception was -25.13%, smaller than the maximum FTXG drawdown of -31.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSTA and FTXG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSTA	FTXG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.13%	-31.52%	+6.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.29%	-10.14%	+0.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.76%	-18.10%	+6.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.58%	-21.68%	+5.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.13%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.50%	-15.57%	+8.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.56%	-7.67%	+4.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.69%	5.57%	-0.88%

Volatility

FSTA vs. FTXG - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) has a higher volatility of 4.84% compared to First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) at 4.27%. This indicates that FSTA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTXG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSTA	FTXG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.84%	4.27%	+0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.23%	10.07%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.70%	13.94%	-1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.15%	14.48%	-1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.60%	16.62%	-2.02%

FSTA vs. FTXG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSTA has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXG's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSTA vs. FTXG - Dividend Comparison

FSTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.24%, less than FTXG's 2.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	2.24%	2.34%	2.25%	2.66%	2.26%	2.15%	2.47%	2.46%	3.01%	2.42%	2.53%	2.86%
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	2.78%	2.93%	2.75%	4.27%	1.50%	1.52%	1.35%	1.25%	1.37%	1.56%	0.30%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSTA and FTXG in my portfolio?

FSTA and FTXG have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSTA or FTXG?

FSTA has higher volatility (4.84%) compared to FTXG (4.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSTA dropped -25.13% vs FTXG's -31.52%.

Which ETF is better, FSTA or FTXG?

On 5-year performance, FSTA leads with 6.89% vs -0.40% for FTXG. On fees, FSTA is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, FTXG has been the lower-risk option at 4.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSTA or FTXG?

Over the 5-year period, FSTA has performed better with a 6.89% return vs -0.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSTA or FTXG?

FSTA is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FSTA or FTXG?

FTXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.78%, compared with 2.24% for FSTA.

What is the main difference between FSTA and FTXG?

FSTA tracks MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index, while FTXG tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for FSTA and 0.60% for FTXG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSTA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.39 vs 0.04), 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.