MGOV vs. BESF

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

MGOV (First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF) and BESF (Bastion Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MGOV is a Government Bonds fund actively managed by First Trust, while BESF is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Bastion. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MGOV returned 6.02% vs 55.80% for BESF. At a correlation of -0.25, they often move in opposite directions. MGOV charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for BESF.

Performance

MGOV vs. BESF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) and Bastion Energy ETF (BESF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGOV achieves a 1.24% return, which is significantly lower than BESF's 13.94% return.

MGOV

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: 1.49%
• YTD: 1.24%
• 6M: 1.06%
• 1Y: 6.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BESF

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -8.03%
• YTD: 13.94%
• 6M: 13.42%
• 1Y: 55.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MGOV vs. BESF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MGOV First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF	1.24%	6.52%
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	13.94%	38.76%

Correlation

The correlation between MGOV and BESF is -0.25, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2025	-0.25

Return for Risk

MGOV vs. BESF — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGOV

MGOV Risk / Return Rank: 40
MGOV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
MGOV Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
MGOV Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MGOV Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
MGOV Martin Ratio Rank: 35

BESF

BESF Risk / Return Rank: 81
BESF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
BESF Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
BESF Omega Ratio Rank: 73
BESF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
BESF Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

MGOV vs. BESF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) and Bastion Energy ETF (BESF). 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.

	MGOV	BESF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	2.28	-0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	3.08	-1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.37	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	5.11	-3.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.85	13.92	-9.07

MGOV vs. BESF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGOV Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is lower than the BESF Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGOV and BESF, 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

MGOV vs. BESF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGOV drawdown since its inception was -6.11%, smaller than the maximum BESF drawdown of -10.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGOV and BESF.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGOV	BESF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.11%	-10.97%	+4.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.53%	-10.97%	+7.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-10.44%	+9.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.63%	-2.77%	+1.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.24%	4.02%	-2.78%

Volatility

MGOV vs. BESF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) is 1.16%, while Bastion Energy ETF (BESF) has a volatility of 7.11%. This indicates that MGOV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BESF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGOV	BESF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.16%	7.11%	-5.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.29%	15.05%	-11.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.53%	24.70%	-20.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.92%	24.43%	-18.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.92%	24.43%	-18.51%

MGOV vs. BESF - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGOV has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than BESF's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

MGOV vs. BESF - Dividend Comparison

MGOV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.92%, less than BESF's 5.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	5.97%	6.39%	0.00%	0.00%
MGOV First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF	4.92%	4.95%	5.05%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGOV and BESF in my portfolio?

MGOV and BESF have a correlation of -0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MGOV or BESF?

BESF has higher volatility (7.11%) compared to MGOV (1.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGOV dropped -6.11% vs BESF's -10.97%.

Which ETF is better, MGOV or BESF?

On 1-year performance, BESF leads with 55.80% vs 6.02% for MGOV. On fees, MGOV is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, MGOV has been the lower-risk option at 1.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGOV or BESF?

Over the 1-year period, BESF has performed better with a 55.80% return vs 6.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGOV or BESF?

MGOV is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for BESF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MGOV or BESF?

BESF has the higher dividend yield at 5.97%, compared with 4.92% for MGOV.

What is the main difference between MGOV and BESF?

MGOV is categorized as Government Bonds, while BESF is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Bastion. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for MGOV and 0.80% for BESF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BESF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.34), 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.