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CWSvsFTCETF Comparison
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS) belongs to the US Multi-Factor segment. First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund ETF (FTC) is part of the US Large Cap Growth segment. CWS's top 3 sector exposures are Health Care, Industrials and Information Technology. In contrast, FTC's top sector exposures are Industrials, Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary. CWS is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.79%, versus 0.58% for FTC. CWS is down -4.51% year-to-date (YTD) with -$10M in YTD flows. FTC performs better with -2.94% YTD performance, and -$56M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of CWS and FTC below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
CWS vs FTC performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | CWS FTC | -2.79%-4.55% | -6.41%-2.66% | -4.51%-2.94% | +3.80%+21.79% | +37.88%+75.90% | +49.47%+60.39% |
| Flows | CWS FTC | -$6M-$41M | -$14M-$56M | -$10M-$56M | -$16M-$43M | +$93M-$286M | +$106M-$383M |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | CWS FTC | +14.76%+17.99% | +16.27%+21.47% | +14.04%+18.03% | +15.73%+19.95% |
| Max drawdown | CWS FTC | -8.84%-6.64% | -10.33%-14.74% | -16.20%-21.47% | -23.63%-31.23% |
| Max drawdown duration | CWS FTC | 53d66d | 29d45d | 404d128d | 532d836d |
CWS | FTC | |
Last sale 3/16/2026 at 1:30 PM | $66.25 | $157.28 |
| Previous close 03/13/2026 | $65.54 | $155.09 |
| Consolidated volume 03/13/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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CWS | FTC | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
CWS | FTC | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $66.25 | $157.28 |
| 1D performance | +1.08% | +1.41% |
| AuM | $161.30 M | $1.16 B |
| E/R | 0.79% | 0.58% |
CWS | FTC | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Active | Passive |
| Provider | AdvisorShares | First Trust |
| Benchmark | - | NASDAQ AlphaDEX Large Cap Growth Index |
| N° of holdings | 24 | 177 |
| Asset class | - | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | September 20, 2016 | May 8, 2007 |
| ESG | No | No |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the CWS and FTC ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 13, 2026, CWS is down -4.51% year-to-date (YTD), while FTC has lost -2.94%. That puts FTC better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: CWS or FTC?
Year-to-date, the CWS ETF saw -$10M in flows, compared to -$56M for FTC.
Which ETF is more volatile: CWS or FTC?
Over the past year, CWS had a volatility of 16.27%, while FTC experienced 21.47%.
Which ETF is bigger: CWS or FTC?
As of March 13, 2026, CWS holds $161.30 M in assets under management (AUM), while FTC manages $1.16 B.
What sectors do the CWS and FTC ETFs invest in?
CWS leans toward sectors like Health Care, Industrials and Information Technology. Meanwhile, FTC focuses on Industrials, Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary.
What are the top holdings of the CWS ETF and FTC ETF?
CWS top holdings include COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, MUELLER INDUSTRIES and ALLISON TRANSMISSION HOLDINGS. FTC holds in its top three: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS PLC, KYG3730V1059 and US5128073062.
Which ETF is more diversified: CWS or FTC?
CWS holds 24 securities with 63.99% of its assets in the top 15. FTC has 187 securities and a top 15 weight of 15.89%.
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