TPLS vs. FTGC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

TPLS (Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF) and FTGC (First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - TPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Thornburg, while FTGC is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, TPLS returned 4.63% vs 28.18% for FTGC. At a correlation of -0.21, they often move in opposite directions. TPLS charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FTGC.

Performance

TPLS vs. FTGC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) and First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TPLS achieves a 0.56% return, which is significantly lower than FTGC's 18.86% return.

TPLS

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: 0.56%
• 6M: 0.73%
• 1Y: 4.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTGC

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: -7.37%
• YTD: 18.86%
• 6M: 17.54%
• 1Y: 28.18%
• 3Y*: 14.26%
• 5Y*: 12.29%
• 10Y*: 7.15%

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

TPLS vs. FTGC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TPLS Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF	0.56%	5.54%
FTGC First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund	18.86%	8.97%

Correlation

The correlation between TPLS and FTGC is -0.23, 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	-0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2025	-0.21

Return for Risk

TPLS vs. FTGC — Risk / Return Rank

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

TPLS

TPLS Risk / Return Rank: 33
TPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
TPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
TPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 33
TPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
TPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 30

FTGC

FTGC Risk / Return Rank: 55
FTGC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
FTGC Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
FTGC Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FTGC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
FTGC Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

TPLS vs. FTGC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) and First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC). 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.

	TPLS	FTGC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	1.82	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.46	-0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.32	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.53	2.60	-1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.17	9.67	-5.50

TPLS vs. FTGC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TPLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is lower than the FTGC Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TPLS and FTGC, 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

TPLS vs. FTGC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TPLS drawdown since its inception was -3.04%, smaller than the maximum FTGC drawdown of -59.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TPLS and FTGC.

Drawdown Indicators

	TPLS	FTGC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.04%	-59.47%	+56.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.04%	-10.87%	+7.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.87%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.64%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.44%	-10.87%	+9.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-27.34%	+26.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.11%	2.94%	-1.83%

Volatility

TPLS vs. FTGC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) is 0.97%, while First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) has a volatility of 3.07%. This indicates that TPLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTGC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TPLS	FTGC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.97%	3.07%	-2.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.83%	13.21%	-10.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.88%	15.70%	-11.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.51%	15.87%	-11.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.51%	14.71%	-10.20%

TPLS vs. FTGC - Expense Ratio Comparison

TPLS has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FTGC's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

TPLS vs. FTGC - Dividend Comparison

TPLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.60%, less than FTGC's 16.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTGC First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund	16.13%	17.74%	3.05%	3.34%	10.35%	7.21%	0.00%	0.81%	0.80%	1.21%
TPLS Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF	4.60%	4.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TPLS and FTGC in my portfolio?

TPLS and FTGC have a correlation of -0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TPLS or FTGC?

FTGC has higher volatility (3.07%) compared to TPLS (0.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TPLS dropped -3.04% vs FTGC's -59.47%.

Which ETF is better, TPLS or FTGC?

On 1-year performance, FTGC leads with 28.18% vs 4.63% for TPLS. On fees, TPLS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, TPLS has been the lower-risk option at 0.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TPLS or FTGC?

Over the 1-year period, FTGC has performed better with a 28.18% return vs 4.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TPLS or FTGC?

TPLS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FTGC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TPLS or FTGC?

FTGC has the higher dividend yield at 16.13%, compared with 4.60% for TPLS.

What is the main difference between TPLS and FTGC?

TPLS is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while FTGC is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Thornburg and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for TPLS and 0.95% for FTGC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTGC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.20), 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.