FTCS vs. VIG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FTCS (First Trust Capital Strength ETF) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTCS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the The Capital Strength Index, while VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTCS returned 10.41%/yr vs 13.40%/yr for VIG. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FTCS charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIG.

Performance

FTCS vs. VIG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTCS achieves a 0.55% return, which is significantly lower than VIG's 7.53% return. Over the past 10 years, FTCS has underperformed VIG with an annualized return of 10.41%, while VIG has yielded a comparatively higher 13.40% annualized return.

FTCS

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: -1.88%
• YTD: 0.55%
• 6M: -0.32%
• 1Y: 5.44%
• 3Y*: 9.28%
• 5Y*: 5.80%
• 10Y*: 10.41%

VIG

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.99%
• YTD: 7.53%
• 6M: 6.96%
• 1Y: 20.27%
• 3Y*: 16.05%
• 5Y*: 11.07%
• 10Y*: 13.40%

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

FTCS vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTCS First Trust Capital Strength ETF	0.55%	6.46%	11.19%	8.48%	-10.22%	26.75%	13.05%	26.71%	-4.22%	26.57%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.53%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FTCS and VIG is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 11, 2006	0.88

The correlation between FTCS and VIG shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.91 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTCS vs. VIG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTCS	VIG
Financial Services	20.0%	19.9%
Industrials	19.6%	11.3%
Healthcare	18.5%	16.6%
Consumer Defensive	14.2%	9.3%
Technology	13.6%	29.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	4.4%
Communication Services	2.3%	0.5%
Energy	2.1%	3.2%
Basic Materials	2.1%	3.3%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	2.9%

Return for Risk

FTCS vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTCS

FTCS Risk / Return Rank: 16
FTCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
FTCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
FTCS Omega Ratio Rank: 15
FTCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
FTCS Martin Ratio Rank: 16

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 61
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

FTCS vs. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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.

	FTCS	VIG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.55	2.01	-1.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.88	2.90	-2.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.36	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.71	2.57	-1.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.63	10.39	-8.76

FTCS vs. VIG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTCS Sharpe Ratio is 0.55, which is lower than the VIG Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTCS and VIG, 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

FTCS vs. VIG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTCS drawdown since its inception was -53.64%, which is greater than VIG's maximum drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTCS and VIG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTCS	VIG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.64%	-46.81%	-6.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.74%	-7.91%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.62%	-14.95%	+2.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.93%	-20.39%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.93%	-31.72%	-0.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.45%	-0.62%	-5.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.92%	-5.50%	-1.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.34%	1.96%	+1.38%

Volatility

FTCS vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) has a higher volatility of 2.99% compared to Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) at 2.82%. This indicates that FTCS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTCS	VIG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.99%	2.82%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.22%	7.68%	-0.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.95%	10.14%	-0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.14%	14.23%	-1.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.55%	16.07%	-0.52%

FTCS vs. VIG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTCS has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is higher than VIG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTCS vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison

FTCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.12%, less than VIG's 1.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTCS First Trust Capital Strength ETF	1.12%	1.04%	1.33%	1.47%	1.23%	1.06%	0.93%	1.26%	1.26%	1.15%	1.43%	1.50%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTCS and VIG in my portfolio?

FTCS and VIG have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTCS or VIG?

FTCS has higher volatility (2.99%) compared to VIG (2.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTCS dropped -53.64% vs VIG's -46.81%.

Which ETF is better, FTCS or VIG?

On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.40% vs 10.41% for FTCS. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VIG has been the lower-risk option at 2.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTCS or VIG?

Over the 10-year period, VIG has performed better with a 13.40% return vs 10.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTCS or VIG?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.53% for FTCS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTCS or VIG?

VIG has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 1.12% for FTCS.

What is the main difference between FTCS and VIG?

FTCS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VIG is Dividend. FTCS tracks The Capital Strength Index, while VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.53% for FTCS and 0.04% for VIG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 0.55), 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.