FSTA vs. FTXG: How These Popular Consumer Staples ETFs Stack Up for Investors

Core Insights - The Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and the First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) both focus on the defensive side of the U.S. stock market but differ in their investment approach and sector focus [1] Cost & Size Comparison - FTXG has an expense ratio of 0.60%, while FSTA has a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.08% [2] - As of January 29, 2026, FTXG reported a 1-year return of -1.54%, compared to FSTA's 4.29% [2] - FTXG offers a higher dividend yield of 2.94% versus FSTA's 2.24% [2] - FTXG has assets under management (AUM) of $16.7 million, while FSTA has a much larger AUM of $1.3 billion [2] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, FTXG experienced a maximum drawdown of -21.68%, while FSTA had a lower maximum drawdown of -16.57% [4] - An investment of $1,000 in FTXG would have grown to $907, whereas the same investment in FSTA would have grown to $1,311 over five years [4] Portfolio Composition - FSTA aims to replicate the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples 25/50 Index and includes 96 holdings, providing broad diversification within consumer staples [5] - The top three holdings in FSTA—Costco Wholesale, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble—constitute nearly 37% of its assets [5] - FTXG targets the Nasdaq US Smart Food & Beverage Index and is more concentrated with only 30 holdings [6] - The top three stocks in FTXG—Archer-Daniels-Midland, PepsiCo, and Mondelez International—account for over 23% of its assets [6] Investment Implications - Consumer staples stocks are generally considered safer investments, less impacted by economic fluctuations, making ETFs like FSTA and FTXG appealing for stability [7] - FSTA's broader approach includes a wider range of consumer staples, while FTXG's focus on food and beverage may yield higher returns due to its targeted strategy [8][9]