FCG vs XLE
First Trust Natural Gas ETF compared with State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
FCG
First Trust Natural Gas ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
XLE
State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- FCG yields more today: 2.42% vs 2.19% (forward).
- FCG has grown its payout faster: 17.4%/yr vs 7.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- Over the last year XLE delivered the higher total return: +58.6% vs +39.5% (price change plus payouts).
- XLE is cheaper to own: 0.08% vs 0.59% expense ratio.
- XLE has the steadier distribution: consistency 96/100 vs 68/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | FCG | XLE |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $32.12 | $69.33 |
| TTM yield | 2.05% | 2.20% |
| Forward yield | 2.42% | 2.19% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.776 | $1.52 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 24, 2026 (est.) | Dec 21, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.59% | 0.08% |
| 1-year payout growth | +5.6% | +5.7% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +17.4% | +7.1% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 1 year | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 68/100 | 96/100 |
| 1-year total return | +39.5% | +58.6% |
| 1-year price return | +36.7% | +55.2% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 637.6M | 39.1B |
| Years paying | 18.8 | 27.6 |
| Sector / category | Equity Energy | Equity Energy |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| FCG | XLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 311.3 | 144.2 |
| Income per year | $242 | $219 |
| Income per month (avg) | $20 | $18 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCG Dec 24, 2026 | Jan 7, 2027 | $0.194 | Est. |
| FCG Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 8, 2027 | $0.194 | Est. |
| FCG Jun 24, 2027 | Jul 8, 2027 | $0.194 | Est. |
| XLE Dec 21, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 | $0.38 | Est. |
| XLE Mar 22, 2027 | Apr 5, 2027 | $0.38 | Est. |
| XLE Jun 21, 2027 | Jul 5, 2027 | $0.38 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
FCGXLE
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, FCG or XLE?
XLE currently has the higher trailing yield: FCG yields 2.05% and XLE yields 2.20%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do FCG and XLE pay?
FCG pays every quarter and XLE pays every quarter. FCG's next ex-date is Dec 24, 2026 and XLE's is Dec 21, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, FCG or XLE?
FCG has grown its payout faster: 17.4%/yr vs 7.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is FCG or XLE better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. FCG and XLE differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.