FTSM vs. VGUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FTSM (First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF) and VGUS (Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds. FTSM is actively managed, while VGUS is passively managed. Over the past year, FTSM returned 4.09% vs 3.86% for VGUS. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTSM charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VGUS.

Performance

FTSM vs. VGUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with FTSM at 1.59% and VGUS at 1.59%.

FTSM

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 1.59%
• 6M: 1.73%
• 1Y: 4.09%
• 3Y*: 4.83%
• 5Y*: 3.49%
• 10Y*: 2.57%

VGUS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 1.59%
• 6M: 1.69%
• 1Y: 3.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTSM vs. VGUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTSM First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF	1.59%	4.17%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	1.59%	3.78%

Correlation

The correlation between FTSM and VGUS is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2025	0.37

Return for Risk

FTSM vs. VGUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTSM

FTSM Risk / Return Rank: 99
FTSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
FTSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
FTSM Omega Ratio Rank: 99
FTSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
FTSM Martin Ratio Rank: 99

VGUS

VGUS Risk / Return Rank: 99
VGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

FTSM vs. VGUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). 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.

	FTSM	VGUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	8.47	11.86	-3.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	19.49	34.14	-14.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	4.15	10.51	-6.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	35.13	53.22	-18.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	172.78	402.91	-230.12

FTSM vs. VGUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTSM Sharpe Ratio is 8.47, which is comparable to the VGUS Sharpe Ratio of 11.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTSM and VGUS, 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

FTSM vs. VGUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTSM drawdown since its inception was -4.12%, which is greater than VGUS's maximum drawdown of -0.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTSM and VGUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTSM	VGUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.12%	-0.07%	-4.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.12%	-0.07%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-0.65%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-4.12%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	0.00%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.22%	-0.00%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.02%	0.01%	+0.01%

Volatility

FTSM vs. VGUS - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) has a higher volatility of 0.17% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS) at 0.12%. This indicates that FTSM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTSM	VGUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.17%	0.12%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.37%	0.18%	+0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49%	0.33%	+0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.50%	0.34%	+0.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.88%	0.34%	+0.54%

FTSM vs. VGUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTSM has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is higher than VGUS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTSM vs. VGUS - Dividend Comparison

FTSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, more than VGUS's 3.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTSM First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF	4.15%	4.28%	4.91%	4.62%	1.62%	0.39%	1.20%	2.38%	2.14%	1.49%	1.03%	0.48%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	3.60%	3.12%	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 FTSM and VGUS in my portfolio?

FTSM and VGUS have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTSM or VGUS?

FTSM has higher volatility (0.17%) compared to VGUS (0.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTSM dropped -4.12% vs VGUS's -0.07%.

Which ETF is better, FTSM or VGUS?

On 1-year performance, FTSM leads with 4.09% vs 3.86% for VGUS. On fees, VGUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTSM or VGUS?

Over the 1-year period, FTSM has performed better with a 4.09% return vs 3.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTSM or VGUS?

VGUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.44% for FTSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTSM or VGUS?

FTSM has the higher dividend yield at 4.15%, compared with 3.60% for VGUS.

What is the main difference between FTSM and VGUS?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.44% for FTSM and 0.07% for VGUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.86 vs 8.47), 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.