FTC vs. GQGU

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

FTC (First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund) and GQGU (GQG US Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. FTC is passively managed, while GQGU is actively managed. Over the past year, FTC returned 20.87% vs 4.74% for GQGU. At a correlation of -0.27, they often move in opposite directions. FTC charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for GQGU.

Performance

FTC vs. GQGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FTC) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTC achieves a 14.43% return, which is significantly higher than GQGU's 5.95% return.

FTC

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: -1.40%
• 6M: 10.40%
• YTD: 14.43%
• 1Y: 20.87%
• 3Y*: 21.64%
• 5Y*: 11.52%
• 10Y*: 14.12%

GQGU

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.42%
• 6M: 6.34%
• YTD: 5.95%
• 1Y: 4.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTC vs. GQGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTC First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	14.43%	6.51%
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	5.95%	-1.12%

Correlation

The correlation between FTC and GQGU is -0.27, 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2025	-0.27

Return for Risk

FTC vs. GQGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTC

FTC Risk / Return Rank: 40
FTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
FTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
FTC Omega Ratio Rank: 33
FTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
FTC Martin Ratio Rank: 52

GQGU

GQGU Risk / Return Rank: 17
GQGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
GQGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
GQGU Omega Ratio Rank: 16
GQGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
GQGU Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

FTC vs. GQGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FTC) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). 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.

	FTC	GQGU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	0.44	+0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.46	0.71	+0.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.08	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.02	0.57	+1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.08	1.38	+5.70

FTC vs. GQGU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTC Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is higher than the GQGU Sharpe Ratio of 0.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTC and GQGU, 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

FTC vs. GQGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTC drawdown since its inception was -54.05%, which is greater than GQGU's maximum drawdown of -8.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTC and GQGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTC	GQGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.05%	-8.41%	-45.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.36%	-8.41%	-1.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.41%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.18%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.66%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.80%	-5.24%	-0.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.29%	-2.89%	-6.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	3.45%	-0.49%

Volatility

FTC vs. GQGU - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FTC) has a higher volatility of 8.60% compared to GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) at 4.59%. This indicates that FTC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GQGU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTC	GQGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.60%	4.59%	+4.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.23%	8.53%	+8.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.81%	10.72%	+10.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.39%	10.72%	+9.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.69%	10.72%	+9.97%

FTC vs. GQGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTC has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than GQGU's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTC vs. GQGU - Dividend Comparison

FTC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%, less than GQGU's 0.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTC First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	0.15%	0.20%	0.32%	0.65%	0.90%	0.00%	0.40%	0.64%	0.35%	0.40%	0.86%	0.52%
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	0.96%	1.02%	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 FTC and GQGU in my portfolio?

FTC and GQGU have a correlation of -0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTC or GQGU?

FTC has higher volatility (8.60%) compared to GQGU (4.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTC dropped -54.05% vs GQGU's -8.41%.

Which ETF is better, FTC or GQGU?

On 1-year performance, FTC leads with 20.87% vs 4.74% for GQGU. On fees, GQGU is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, GQGU has been the lower-risk option at 4.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTC or GQGU?

Over the 1-year period, FTC has performed better with a 20.87% return vs 4.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTC or GQGU?

GQGU is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTC or GQGU?

GQGU has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.15% for FTC.

What is the main difference between FTC and GQGU?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and GQG Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTC and 0.49% for GQGU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.01 vs 0.44), 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.