FXG vs. FIW

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FXG (First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund) and FIW (First Trust Water ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FXG is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index, while FIW is a Water Equities fund tracking the ISE Clean Edge Water Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FXG returned 4.33%/yr vs 12.11%/yr for FIW. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FXG charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.54%/yr for FIW.

Performance

FXG vs. FIW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) and First Trust Water ETF (FIW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXG achieves a 0.49% return, which is significantly higher than FIW's -3.47% return. Over the past 10 years, FXG has underperformed FIW with an annualized return of 4.33%, while FIW has yielded a comparatively higher 12.11% annualized return.

FXG

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: -4.29%
• YTD: 0.49%
• 6M: -0.50%
• 1Y: -1.06%
• 3Y*: 1.23%
• 5Y*: 2.01%
• 10Y*: 4.33%

FIW

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: -2.07%
• YTD: -3.47%
• 6M: -5.65%
• 1Y: -1.39%
• 3Y*: 8.20%
• 5Y*: 5.43%
• 10Y*: 12.11%

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

FXG vs. FIW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	0.49%	-2.66%	3.21%	1.97%	3.28%	21.73%	4.85%	20.65%	-11.49%	7.87%
FIW First Trust Water ETF	-3.47%	7.20%	8.38%	20.35%	-15.70%	32.00%	21.15%	37.37%	-9.23%	24.69%

Correlation

The correlation between FXG and FIW is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2007	0.61

The correlation between FXG and FIW shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (1 year) to 0.61 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FXG vs. FIW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FXG	FIW
Consumer Defensive	79.9%	2.7%
Healthcare	8.2%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	2.7%
Industrials	4.1%	54.1%
Basic Materials	2.0%	5.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	8.1%
Utilities	-	16.2%

Return for Risk

FXG vs. FIW — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXG

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

FIW

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

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.

FXG vs. FIW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) and First Trust Water ETF (FIW). 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.

	FXG	FIW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.08	-0.09	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.03	-0.02	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.00	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.08	-0.10	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.19	-0.26	+0.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FXG vs. FIW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXG Sharpe Ratio is -0.08, which is comparable to the FIW Sharpe Ratio of -0.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXG and FIW, 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

	FXG	FIW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.08	-0.09	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15	0.30	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29	0.61	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.43	+0.04

Drawdowns

FXG vs. FIW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXG drawdown since its inception was -38.69%, smaller than the maximum FIW drawdown of -52.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXG and FIW.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXG	FIW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.69%	-52.75%	+14.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.75%	-13.81%	+1.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.75%	-18.32%	+5.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.70%	-28.53%	+12.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.54%	-36.60%	+9.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.11%	-9.47%	-2.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.03%	-8.30%	+2.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.46%	5.36%	+0.10%

Volatility

FXG vs. FIW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) is 3.32%, while First Trust Water ETF (FIW) has a volatility of 4.14%. This indicates that FXG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FIW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXG	FIW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.32%	4.14%	-0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.06%	11.43%	-2.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.72%	15.32%	-2.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.48%	18.35%	-4.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.92%	19.90%	-4.98%

FXG vs. FIW - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXG has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than FIW's 0.54% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXG vs. FIW - Dividend Comparison

FXG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.88%, more than FIW's 0.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FIW First Trust Water ETF	0.78%	0.69%	0.69%	0.68%	0.67%	0.37%	0.56%	0.55%	0.73%	1.13%	0.51%	0.76%
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	2.88%	2.83%	1.70%	1.41%	1.83%	1.38%	1.41%	1.63%	2.31%	1.34%	1.72%	1.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXG and FIW in my portfolio?

FXG and FIW have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FXG or FIW?

FIW has higher volatility (4.14%) compared to FXG (3.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXG dropped -38.69% vs FIW's -52.75%.

Which ETF is better, FXG or FIW?

On 10-year performance, FIW leads with 12.11% vs 4.33% for FXG. On fees, FIW is cheaper at 0.54% per year. On volatility, FXG has been the lower-risk option at 3.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXG or FIW?

Over the 10-year period, FIW has performed better with a 12.11% return vs 4.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXG or FIW?

FIW is cheaper with a 0.54% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FXG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FXG or FIW?

FXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.88%, compared with 0.78% for FIW.

What is the main difference between FXG and FIW?

FXG is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while FIW is Water Equities. FXG tracks StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index, while FIW tracks ISE Clean Edge Water Index. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for FXG and 0.54% for FIW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.08 vs -0.09), 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.