IYK vs. FXG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

IYK (iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF) and FXG (First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund) are both Consumer Staples Equities funds - IYK tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Goods Index while FXG tracks the StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IYK returned 8.83%/yr vs 4.33%/yr for FXG. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IYK charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for FXG.

Performance

IYK vs. FXG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IYK achieves a 5.46% return, which is significantly higher than FXG's 0.49% return. Over the past 10 years, IYK has outperformed FXG with an annualized return of 8.83%, while FXG has yielded a comparatively lower 4.33% annualized return.

IYK

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -1.64%
• YTD: 5.46%
• 6M: 5.91%
• 1Y: 1.90%
• 3Y*: 4.78%
• 5Y*: 5.51%
• 10Y*: 8.83%

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%

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

IYK vs. FXG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IYK iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF	5.46%	4.78%	5.27%	-2.84%	3.57%	17.32%	32.65%	28.12%	-13.84%	16.53%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between IYK and FXG is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2007	0.78

The correlation between IYK and FXG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

IYK vs. FXG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IYK	FXG
Consumer Defensive	84.9%	79.9%
Healthcare	10.9%	8.2%
Basic Materials	2.7%	2.0%
Consumer Cyclical	1.5%	7.9%
Industrials	0.1%	4.1%
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IYK vs. FXG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IYK

IYK Risk / Return Rank: 11
IYK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
IYK Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
IYK Omega Ratio Rank: 11
IYK Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
IYK Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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

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.

IYK vs. FXG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF (IYK) and First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG). 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.

	IYK	FXG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.16	-0.08	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.30	-0.03	+0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.00	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.18	-0.08	+0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.38	-0.19	+0.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IYK vs. FXG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IYK Sharpe Ratio is 0.16, which is higher than the FXG Sharpe Ratio of -0.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IYK and FXG, 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

	IYK	FXG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16	-0.08	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.15	+0.28
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57	0.29	+0.28
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.48	+0.09

Drawdowns

IYK vs. FXG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IYK drawdown since its inception was -42.64%, which is greater than FXG's maximum drawdown of -38.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYK and FXG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IYK	FXG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.64%	-38.69%	-3.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.68%	-12.75%	+2.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.14%	-12.75%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.05%	-15.70%	+0.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.19%	-27.54%	-5.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.10%	-12.11%	+3.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.07%	-6.03%	+0.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.05%	5.46%	-0.41%

Volatility

IYK vs. FXG - Volatility Comparison

iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF (IYK) has a higher volatility of 3.51% compared to First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) at 3.32%. This indicates that IYK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FXG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IYK	FXG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.51%	3.32%	+0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.29%	9.06%	+0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.15%	12.72%	-0.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.98%	13.48%	-0.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.50%	14.92%	+0.58%

IYK vs. FXG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IYK has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than FXG's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

IYK vs. FXG - Dividend Comparison

IYK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, less than FXG's 2.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
IYK iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF	2.69%	2.75%	2.63%	2.74%	2.16%	1.49%	1.42%	2.21%	2.81%	1.74%	2.63%	2.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IYK and FXG in my portfolio?

IYK and FXG have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IYK or FXG?

IYK has higher volatility (3.51%) compared to FXG (3.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYK dropped -42.64% vs FXG's -38.69%.

Which ETF is better, IYK or FXG?

On 10-year performance, IYK leads with 8.83% vs 4.33% for FXG. On fees, IYK is cheaper at 0.42% 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, IYK or FXG?

Over the 10-year period, IYK has performed better with a 8.83% return vs 4.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IYK or FXG?

IYK is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FXG.

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

FXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.88%, compared with 2.69% for IYK.

What is the main difference between IYK and FXG?

IYK tracks Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Goods Index, while FXG tracks StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for IYK and 0.63% for FXG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IYK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.16 vs -0.08), 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.