
FTCS seeks to outperform the broader large-cap space by selecting companies based on their strength of their balance sheets, looking at cash balances, long-term debt ratios, and ROE. FTCS picks from a relatively narrow subset of the large-cap universe: the NASDAQ US benchmark, a 500-firm composite of NASDAQ-listed companies. By design, FTCS will always struggle to reflect the broad large-cap market given its limited selection universe, but it fills a niche within a crowded segment. The index undergoes quarterly reconstitution and rebalance. FTCS formerly tracked a large-cap value index and traded under the ticker FDV. The fund was rebranded in May 2013.
Is FTCS's expense ratio expensive, average, or a steal for its category?
Pro reveals the verdict on a 5-tier spectrum calibrated against ICI 2025 industry averages, with strategy-aware bands so the comparison is meaningful.


Designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Blend segment of the US equity market, the First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on July 6, 2006.

The First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) made its debut on 07/06/2006, and is a smart beta exchange traded fund that provides broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Blend category of the market.

The First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) was launched on July 6, 2006, and is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Large Cap Blend segment of the US equity market.

Launched on 07/06/2006, the First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is a smart beta exchange traded fund offering broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Blend category of the market.