FTXG vs. KNG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTXG (First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF) and KNG (FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTXG is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index, while KNG is a Dividend fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Index Monthly Series. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FTXG returned -1.45%/yr vs 4.31%/yr for KNG. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTXG charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for KNG.

Performance

FTXG vs. KNG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) and FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTXG achieves a 5.86% return, which is significantly higher than KNG's 2.20% return.

FTXG

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -0.85%
• YTD: 5.86%
• 6M: 4.05%
• 1Y: 0.33%
• 3Y*: -3.08%
• 5Y*: -1.45%
• 10Y*: —

KNG

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 2.20%
• 6M: 2.33%
• 1Y: 7.44%
• 3Y*: 7.06%
• 5Y*: 4.31%
• 10Y*: —

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

FTXG vs. KNG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	5.86%	-6.52%	-2.52%	-6.48%	6.15%	13.48%	6.63%	23.97%	-6.40%
KNG FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	2.20%	6.63%	5.99%	7.48%	-7.03%	24.78%	7.21%	26.64%	-0.84%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXG and KNG is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 28, 2018	0.60

The correlation between FTXG and KNG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTXG vs. KNG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXG	KNG
Consumer Defensive	94.0%	23.5%
Basic Materials	4.3%	10.2%
Industrials	1.7%	20.3%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	5.5%
Energy	-	3.0%
Financial Services	-	12.7%
Healthcare	-	10.1%
Real Estate	-	4.4%
Technology	-	4.3%
Utilities	-	6.1%

Return for Risk

FTXG vs. KNG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXG

FTXG Risk / Return Rank: 9
FTXG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
FTXG Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
FTXG Omega Ratio Rank: 8
FTXG Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
FTXG Martin Ratio Rank: 9

KNG

KNG Risk / Return Rank: 20
KNG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
KNG Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
KNG Omega Ratio Rank: 19
KNG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
KNG Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

FTXG vs. KNG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) and FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). 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.

	FTXG	KNG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.02	0.73	-0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.13	1.15	-1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.13	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.03	0.87	-0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.06	2.25	-2.19
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTXG vs. KNG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXG Sharpe Ratio is 0.02, which is lower than the KNG Sharpe Ratio of 0.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXG and KNG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FTXG	KNG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.02	0.73	-0.71
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.10	0.32	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.18	0.49	-0.31

Drawdowns

FTXG vs. KNG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXG drawdown since its inception was -31.52%, smaller than the maximum KNG drawdown of -35.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXG and KNG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXG	KNG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.52%	-35.12%	+3.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-8.61%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.10%	-14.24%	-3.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.68%	-18.20%	-3.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.76%	-5.89%	-8.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.64%	-4.13%	-3.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.40%	3.32%	+2.08%

Volatility

FTXG vs. KNG - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) has a higher volatility of 3.29% compared to FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) at 2.29%. This indicates that FTXG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KNG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTXG	KNG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.29%	2.29%	+1.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.62%	7.39%	+2.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.60%	10.19%	+3.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.46%	13.59%	+0.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.63%	17.18%	-0.55%

FTXG vs. KNG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXG has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than KNG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXG vs. KNG - Dividend Comparison

FTXG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, less than KNG's 8.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	2.75%	2.93%	2.75%	4.27%	1.50%	1.52%	1.35%	1.25%	1.37%	1.56%	0.30%
KNG FT Cboe Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	8.67%	8.61%	9.08%	5.91%	4.00%	3.45%	3.62%	4.09%	3.46%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTXG and KNG in my portfolio?

FTXG and KNG have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTXG or KNG?

FTXG has higher volatility (3.29%) compared to KNG (2.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXG dropped -31.52% vs KNG's -35.12%.

Which ETF is better, FTXG or KNG?

On 5-year performance, KNG leads with 4.31% vs -1.45% for FTXG. On fees, FTXG is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, KNG has been the lower-risk option at 2.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXG or KNG?

Over the 5-year period, KNG has performed better with a 4.31% return vs -1.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXG or KNG?

FTXG is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for KNG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTXG or KNG?

KNG has the higher dividend yield at 8.67%, compared with 2.75% for FTXG.

What is the main difference between FTXG and KNG?

FTXG is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while KNG is Dividend. FTXG tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index, while KNG tracks Cboe S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Index Monthly Series. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXG and 0.75% for KNG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KNG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.73 vs 0.02), 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.