GQGU vs. FTCS

Last updated Apr 2, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) and First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS).

GQGU and FTCS are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. GQGU is an actively managed fund by GQG Partners. It was launched on Jul 14, 2025. FTCS is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the The NASDAQ Capital Strength Index. It was launched on Jul 6, 2006.

Performance

GQGU vs. FTCS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) and First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

GQGU vs. FTCS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	8.19%	-1.14%
FTCS First Trust Capital Strength ETF	0.54%	2.17%

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GQGU achieves a 8.19% return, which is significantly higher than FTCS's 0.54% return.

GQGU

• 1D: -1.30%
• 1M: -3.10%
• YTD: 8.19%
• 6M: 6.64%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTCS

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -6.46%
• YTD: 0.54%
• 6M: 0.03%
• 1Y: 4.55%
• 3Y*: 9.73%
• 5Y*: 6.79%
• 10Y*: 10.24%

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

GQGU vs. FTCS - Expense Ratio Comparison

GQGU has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than FTCS's 0.56% expense ratio.

FTCS

First Trust Capital Strength ETF

GQGU

GQG US Equity ETF

Return for Risk

GQGU vs. FTCS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTCS

FTCS Risk / Return Rank: 21
FTCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
FTCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
FTCS Omega Ratio Rank: 20
FTCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
FTCS Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

GQGU vs. FTCS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) and First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GQGU	FTCS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.34	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.02	0.51	+0.51

Correlation

The correlation between GQGU and FTCS is 0.50, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.

Dividends

GQGU vs. FTCS - Dividend Comparison

GQGU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.94%, less than FTCS's 1.12% yield.

	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	0.94%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTCS First Trust Capital Strength ETF	1.12%	1.04%	1.33%	1.47%	1.23%	1.06%	0.93%	1.26%	1.26%	1.15%	1.43%	1.50%

Drawdowns

GQGU vs. FTCS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GQGU drawdown since its inception was -6.65%, smaller than the maximum FTCS drawdown of -53.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GQGU and FTCS.

Drawdown Indicators

	GQGU	FTCS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.65%	-53.64%	+46.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.38%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.93%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-31.93%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.24%	-6.46%	+3.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.21%	-6.93%	+4.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.46%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GQGU	FTCS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.18%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.66%	13.55%	-3.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.66%	13.14%	-3.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.66%	15.54%	-5.88%