FTGS vs. SPIT

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FTGS (First Trust Growth Strength ETF) and SPIT (F/m Emerald Special Situations ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. FTGS is passively managed, while SPIT is actively managed. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTGS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for SPIT.

Performance

FTGS vs. SPIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) and F/m Emerald Special Situations ETF (SPIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTGS achieves a 7.45% return, which is significantly lower than SPIT's 25.12% return.

FTGS

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 1.61%
• 6M: 4.67%
• YTD: 7.45%
• 1Y: 10.99%
• 3Y*: 16.59%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPIT

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: -1.75%
• 6M: 14.70%
• YTD: 25.12%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTGS vs. SPIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTGS First Trust Growth Strength ETF	7.45%	-2.48%
SPIT F/m Emerald Special Situations ETF	25.12%	5.31%

Correlation

The correlation between FTGS and SPIT is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 6, 2025	0.65

Return for Risk

FTGS vs. SPIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTGS

FTGS Risk / Return Rank: 28
FTGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
FTGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
FTGS Omega Ratio Rank: 25
FTGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
FTGS Martin Ratio Rank: 32

SPIT

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

FTGS vs. SPIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) and F/m Emerald Special Situations ETF (SPIT). 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.

	FTGS	SPIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.82	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.23	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.17	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.84	—	—

Drawdowns

FTGS vs. SPIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTGS drawdown since its inception was -19.99%, which is greater than SPIT's maximum drawdown of -12.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTGS and SPIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTGS	SPIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.99%	-12.49%	-7.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.47%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.99%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	-7.05%	+6.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.72%	-2.56%	-0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.87%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FTGS	SPIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.52%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.71%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.45%	26.27%	-12.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.04%	26.27%	-9.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.04%	26.27%	-9.23%

FTGS vs. SPIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTGS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than SPIT's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTGS vs. SPIT - Dividend Comparison

FTGS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.08%, less than SPIT's 5.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
FTGS First Trust Growth Strength ETF	0.08%	0.16%	0.39%	0.62%	0.21%
SPIT F/m Emerald Special Situations ETF	5.74%	7.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTGS and SPIT in my portfolio?

FTGS and SPIT have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FTGS or SPIT?

On fees, FTGS is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTGS or SPIT?

FTGS is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for SPIT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTGS or SPIT?

SPIT has the higher dividend yield at 5.74%, compared with 0.08% for FTGS.

What is the main difference between FTGS and SPIT?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and F/m Investments. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTGS and 0.89% for SPIT.