GUSA vs. FTAG

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

GUSA (Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF) and FTAG (First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - GUSA tracks the Solactive GBS United States 1000 Index - Benchmark TR Gross while FTAG tracks the Indxx Global Agriculture Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, GUSA returned 20.76%/yr vs 4.63%/yr for FTAG. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GUSA charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTAG.

Performance

GUSA vs. FTAG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF (GUSA) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GUSA achieves a 8.07% return, which is significantly lower than FTAG's 10.39% return.

GUSA

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: -1.89%
• YTD: 8.07%
• 6M: 6.74%
• 1Y: 21.87%
• 3Y*: 20.76%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTAG

• 1D: 2.52%
• 1M: -0.44%
• YTD: 10.39%
• 6M: 10.53%
• 1Y: 12.18%
• 3Y*: 4.63%
• 5Y*: 1.47%
• 10Y*: 6.24%

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

GUSA vs. FTAG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
GUSA Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF	8.07%	17.51%	24.46%	26.61%	-12.69%
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	10.39%	14.82%	-6.72%	-7.28%	-14.94%

Correlation

The correlation between GUSA and FTAG 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 12, 2022	0.57

Over the past year, the correlation between GUSA and FTAG has dropped to 0.36 - well below their long-term average of 0.57, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

GUSA vs. FTAG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GUSA	FTAG
Technology	37.4%	-
Financial Services	10.8%	-
Communication Services	10.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	4.2%
Industrials	9.0%	24.0%
Healthcare	8.6%	7.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	8.5%
Energy	3.2%	-
Utilities	2.1%	-
Real Estate	2.0%	-
Basic Materials	2.0%	55.6%

Return for Risk

GUSA vs. FTAG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GUSA

GUSA Risk / Return Rank: 59
GUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
GUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
GUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 57
GUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
GUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 67

FTAG

FTAG Risk / Return Rank: 26
FTAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
FTAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
FTAG Omega Ratio Rank: 24
FTAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
FTAG Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

GUSA vs. FTAG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF (GUSA) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). 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.

	GUSA	FTAG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	0.85	+0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	1.31	+1.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.15	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	1.28	+1.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.74	2.91	+7.83

GUSA vs. FTAG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GUSA Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is higher than the FTAG Sharpe Ratio of 0.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GUSA and FTAG, 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

GUSA vs. FTAG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GUSA drawdown since its inception was -19.61%, smaller than the maximum FTAG drawdown of -90.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GUSA and FTAG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GUSA	FTAG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.61%	-90.89%	+71.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.01%	-9.56%	+0.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.61%	-21.87%	+2.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.77%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.11%	-78.65%	+75.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.35%	-71.26%	+66.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	4.19%	-2.15%

Volatility

GUSA vs. FTAG - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF (GUSA) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) have volatilities of 4.67% and 4.86%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GUSA	FTAG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.67%	4.86%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.05%	11.21%	-1.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.74%	14.39%	-1.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.28%	17.42%	-0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.28%	19.61%	-2.33%

GUSA vs. FTAG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GUSA has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than FTAG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

GUSA vs. FTAG - Dividend Comparison

GUSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.00%, less than FTAG's 2.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	2.01%	1.39%	2.89%	3.68%	1.77%	1.58%	1.72%	2.33%	2.16%	1.26%	0.61%	1.35%
GUSA Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF	1.00%	0.99%	1.16%	1.36%	1.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GUSA and FTAG in my portfolio?

GUSA and FTAG 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, GUSA or FTAG?

FTAG has higher volatility (4.86%) compared to GUSA (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GUSA dropped -19.61% vs FTAG's -90.89%.

Which ETF is better, GUSA or FTAG?

On 3-year performance, GUSA leads with 20.76% vs 4.63% for FTAG. On fees, GUSA is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, GUSA has been the lower-risk option at 4.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GUSA or FTAG?

Over the 3-year period, GUSA has performed better with a 20.76% return vs 4.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GUSA or FTAG?

GUSA is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTAG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GUSA or FTAG?

FTAG has the higher dividend yield at 2.01%, compared with 1.00% for GUSA.

What is the main difference between GUSA and FTAG?

GUSA tracks Solactive GBS United States 1000 Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while FTAG tracks Indxx Global Agriculture Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for GUSA and 0.70% for FTAG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GUSA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 0.85), 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.