WCMI vs. KNG

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

WCMI (First Trust WCM International Equity ETF) and KNG (FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - WCMI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while KNG is a Dividend fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Index Monthly Series. WCMI is actively managed, while KNG is passively managed. Over the past year, WCMI returned 20.87% vs 10.62% for KNG. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WCMI charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for KNG.

Performance

WCMI vs. KNG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust WCM International Equity ETF (WCMI) and FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WCMI achieves a 10.62% return, which is significantly higher than KNG's 7.61% return.

WCMI

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: -4.44%
• 6M: 4.77%
• YTD: 10.62%
• 1Y: 20.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 19.22%

KNG

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 3.03%
• 6M: 3.22%
• YTD: 7.61%
• 1Y: 10.62%
• 3Y*: 6.61%
• 5Y*: 5.64%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.87%

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

WCMI vs. KNG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
WCMI First Trust WCM International Equity ETF	10.62%	30.32%	-5.10%
KNG FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	7.61%	6.63%	-4.90%

Correlation

The correlation between WCMI and KNG is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 7, 2024	0.36

WCMI vs. KNG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WCMI	KNG
Technology	22.1%	4.4%
Industrials	17.4%	20.8%
Financial Services	16.5%	13.0%
Healthcare	13.2%	10.8%
Communication Services	8.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.0%	5.4%
Energy	5.7%	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	23.4%
Utilities	3.0%	5.6%
Basic Materials	2.7%	9.8%
Real Estate	-	4.2%

Return for Risk

WCMI vs. KNG — Risk / Return Rank

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

WCMI

WCMI Risk / Return Rank: 42
WCMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
WCMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
WCMI Omega Ratio Rank: 38
WCMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
WCMI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

KNG

KNG Risk / Return Rank: 34
KNG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
KNG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
KNG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
KNG Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
KNG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

WCMI vs. KNG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust WCM International Equity ETF (WCMI) and FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). 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.

	WCMI	KNG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	0.99	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	1.55	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.17	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.68	1.24	+0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.11	3.10	+3.01

WCMI vs. KNG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WCMI Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is comparable to the KNG Sharpe Ratio of 0.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WCMI and KNG, 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

WCMI vs. KNG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WCMI drawdown since its inception was -12.79%, smaller than the maximum KNG drawdown of -35.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WCMI and KNG.

Drawdown Indicators

	WCMI	KNG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.79%	-35.12%	+22.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.49%	-8.61%	-3.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.20%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.49%	-1.80%	-3.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.26%	-4.10%	+1.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.43%	3.43%	0.00%

Volatility

WCMI vs. KNG - Volatility Comparison

First Trust WCM International Equity ETF (WCMI) has a higher volatility of 6.02% compared to FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) at 4.03%. This indicates that WCMI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KNG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WCMI	KNG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.02%	4.03%	+1.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.86%	8.18%	+8.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.67%	10.76%	+8.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.52%	13.62%	+4.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.52%	17.13%	+1.39%

WCMI vs. KNG - Expense Ratio Comparison

WCMI has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than KNG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

WCMI vs. KNG - Dividend Comparison

WCMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, less than KNG's 8.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
KNG FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	8.29%	8.61%	9.08%	5.91%	4.00%	3.45%	3.62%	4.09%	3.46%
WCMI First Trust WCM International Equity ETF	0.56%	0.78%	15.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WCMI and KNG in my portfolio?

WCMI and KNG have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WCMI or KNG?

WCMI has higher volatility (6.02%) compared to KNG (4.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WCMI dropped -12.79% vs KNG's -35.12%.

Which ETF is better, WCMI or KNG?

On 1-year performance, WCMI leads with 20.87% vs 10.62% for KNG. On fees, KNG is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, KNG has been the lower-risk option at 4.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WCMI or KNG?

Over the 1-year period, WCMI has performed better with a 20.87% return vs 10.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WCMI or KNG?

KNG is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for WCMI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, WCMI or KNG?

KNG has the higher dividend yield at 8.29%, compared with 0.56% for WCMI.

What is the main difference between WCMI and KNG?

WCMI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while KNG is Dividend. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for WCMI and 0.75% for KNG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WCMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.07 vs 0.99), 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.