FTGS vs. YCS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FTGS (First Trust Growth Strength ETF) and YCS (ProShares UltraShort Yen) are both exchange-traded funds - FTGS is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the The Growth Strength Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while YCS is a Leveraged Currency fund tracking the USD/JPY Exchange Rate (-200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FTGS returned 17.47%/yr vs 18.43%/yr for YCS. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. FTGS charges 0.60%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for YCS.

Performance

FTGS vs. YCS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) and ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTGS achieves a 3.96% return, which is significantly lower than YCS's 9.78% return.

FTGS

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 3.96%
• 6M: 2.63%
• 1Y: 12.35%
• 3Y*: 17.47%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

YCS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 3.71%
• YTD: 9.78%
• 6M: 9.63%
• 1Y: 31.36%
• 3Y*: 18.43%
• 5Y*: 23.50%
• 10Y*: 13.63%

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

FTGS vs. YCS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FTGS First Trust Growth Strength ETF	3.96%	12.78%	15.76%	33.69%	1.09%
YCS ProShares UltraShort Yen	9.78%	9.04%	35.41%	28.70%	-21.29%

Correlation

The correlation between FTGS and YCS is -0.20, 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	-0.20
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2022	-0.01

The correlation between FTGS and YCS shifts across timeframes, from -0.20 (1 year) to -0.01 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FTGS vs. YCS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTGS

FTGS Risk / Return Rank: 27
FTGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
FTGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
FTGS Omega Ratio Rank: 23
FTGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
FTGS Martin Ratio Rank: 31

YCS

YCS Risk / Return Rank: 61
YCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
YCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
YCS Omega Ratio Rank: 57
YCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
YCS Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. YCS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) and ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS). 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	YCS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	1.86	-0.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.37	2.37	-0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.35	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.31	3.79	-2.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.38	11.86	-7.48

FTGS vs. YCS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTGS Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is lower than the YCS Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTGS and YCS, 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

FTGS vs. YCS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTGS drawdown since its inception was -19.99%, smaller than the maximum YCS drawdown of -49.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTGS and YCS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTGS	YCS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.99%	-49.56%	+29.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.47%	-8.30%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.99%	-23.05%	+3.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.32%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-27.32%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.84%	0.00%	-2.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.74%	-19.88%	+17.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	2.65%	+0.18%

Volatility

FTGS vs. YCS - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) has a higher volatility of 4.32% compared to ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS) at 2.22%. This indicates that FTGS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than YCS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTGS	YCS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.32%	2.22%	+2.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.64%	12.19%	-1.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.50%	16.96%	-3.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	21.10%	-3.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.12%	18.96%	-1.84%

FTGS vs. YCS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTGS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than YCS's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTGS vs. YCS - Dividend Comparison

FTGS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, while YCS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
FTGS First Trust Growth Strength ETF	0.09%	0.16%	0.39%	0.62%	0.21%
YCS ProShares UltraShort Yen	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTGS and YCS in my portfolio?

FTGS and YCS have a correlation of -0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTGS or YCS?

FTGS has higher volatility (4.32%) compared to YCS (2.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTGS dropped -19.99% vs YCS's -49.56%.

Which ETF is better, FTGS or YCS?

On 3-year performance, YCS leads with 18.43% vs 17.47% for FTGS. On fees, FTGS is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, YCS has been the lower-risk option at 2.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTGS or YCS?

Over the 3-year period, YCS has performed better with a 18.43% return vs 17.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTGS or YCS?

FTGS is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for YCS.

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

FTGS has the higher dividend yield at 0.09%, compared with 0.00% for YCS.

What is the main difference between FTGS and YCS?

FTGS is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while YCS is Leveraged Currency. FTGS tracks The Growth Strength Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while YCS tracks USD/JPY Exchange Rate (-200%). They also come from different issuers: First Trust and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTGS and 1.00% for YCS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

YCS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 0.92), 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.