VUSG vs. FTCS

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VUSG (Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF) and FTCS (First Trust Capital Strength ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUSG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard, while FTCS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the The Capital Strength Index. VUSG is actively managed, while FTCS is passively managed. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VUSG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.53%/yr for FTCS.

Performance

VUSG vs. FTCS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) and First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSG achieves a 4.42% return, which is significantly higher than FTCS's 1.62% return.

VUSG

• 1D: -3.73%
• 1M: -1.14%
• YTD: 4.42%
• 6M: 2.85%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTCS

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 1.62%
• 6M: 2.11%
• 1Y: 4.60%
• 3Y*: 10.13%
• 5Y*: 5.74%
• 10Y*: 10.29%

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

VUSG vs. FTCS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	4.42%	3.21%
FTCS First Trust Capital Strength ETF	1.62%	2.25%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSG and FTCS is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2025	0.24

Return for Risk

VUSG 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: 16
FTCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
FTCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
FTCS Omega Ratio Rank: 15
FTCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
FTCS Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

VUSG vs. FTCS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) 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

	VUSG	FTCS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.44	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.51	+0.26

Drawdowns

VUSG vs. FTCS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSG drawdown since its inception was -15.14%, smaller than the maximum FTCS drawdown of -53.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSG and FTCS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSG	FTCS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.14%	-53.64%	+38.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.74%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.62%	—
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	-5.07%	-5.46%	+0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.50%	-6.92%	+3.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.18%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUSG	FTCS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.89%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.06%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.62%	9.88%	+9.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.62%	13.13%	+6.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.62%	15.54%	+4.08%

VUSG vs. FTCS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FTCS's 0.53% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSG vs. FTCS - Dividend Comparison

VUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, less than FTCS's 1.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTCS First Trust Capital Strength ETF	1.10%	1.04%	1.33%	1.47%	1.23%	1.06%	0.93%	1.26%	1.26%	1.15%	1.43%	1.50%
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSG and FTCS in my portfolio?

VUSG and FTCS have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VUSG or FTCS?

On fees, VUSG is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSG or FTCS?

VUSG is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.53% for FTCS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VUSG or FTCS?

FTCS has the higher dividend yield at 1.10%, compared with 0.02% for VUSG.

What is the main difference between VUSG and FTCS?

VUSG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while FTCS is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for VUSG and 0.53% for FTCS.