First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG)
First Trust Natural Gas ETF NYSE
First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) is currently trading at $30.31, slightly below its 50-day simple moving average of $30.39, suggesting a minor pullback in its upward trajectory. The ETF, which focuses on U.S. natural gas companies involved in exploration, production, and midstream transportation, has seen its price action influenced by the volatile nature of the energy sector. Despite recent weakness, the fund's overall trend remains positive, supported by its position above the 200-day simple moving average of $28.67.
The fund's strategy involves a concentrated portfolio of equities, depositary receipts, and MLP units, with approximately 98.02% allocated to the Energy sector. This high concentration means FCG's performance is closely tied to the dynamics of the natural gas market. Recent fund flows and sector rotations will be key indicators to watch for shifts in its momentum.
FCG at a glance
First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG): Buy, 78/100 on CleaRank's AI score.
- Trend Mixed: the price is above its 200-day but below its 50-day moving average ($28.67 and $30.39).
- Fund Expense ratio 0.59%, $637.6M in net assets, +24.5% total return over 1 year.
As of October 15, 2026, First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) trades at $30.31. The 14-day RSI (daily closes) is 53, in neutral territory, and the price is below its 50-day simple moving average of $30.39.
Figures as of October 15, 2026.
Only on CleaRank
Figures we compute ourselves from FCG's own price history. Tap one to see it in context.
FCG Price Analysis
Market Metrics
FCG Fund Facts
First Trust Natural Gas ETF is an exchange-traded fund that provides targeted exposure to U.S. natural gas companies. The fund seeks to track an index of listed energy businesses involved in the exploration, production, and midstream transportation of natural gas, using a portfolio of equities, depositary receipts, and MLP units. Its holdings are concentrated in the energy sector and typically include companies across natural gas extraction, processing, and pipeline-related activities.
Sector weights
Trailing total returns
| Period | FCG |
|---|---|
| YTD | 23.92% |
| 1 month | -7.85% |
| 3 months | 7.87% |
| 1 year | 24.46% |
| 3 years | 5.98% |
| 5 years | 14.41% |
| 10 years | 3.44% |
As of Oct 15, 2026, FCG has an expense ratio of 0.59%, $637.60M in net assets and a distribution yield of 2.31%.
Fund reference data as of Oct 15, 2026. Expense ratio and net assets are reported by the fund; returns are total returns and can differ from price change.
FCG Analysis
FCG is currently trading at $30.31, which is below its 50-day simple moving average of $30.39 but above its 200-day simple moving average of $28.67. The 20-day exponential moving average is at $30.04, with the price trading above it, indicating some short-term upward momentum.
The 14-day RSI is at 52.76, which is considered neutral territory, suggesting neither overbought nor oversold conditions. The Stochastic indicator is at 73.03, nearing overbought levels, while the CCI is at 74.90, also indicating strong positive momentum.
- Evaluate the impact of the 0.59% expense ratio on long-term returns, especially during periods of moderate sector performance.
The outlook for the First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) in the next 6-12 months is cautiously optimistic, contingent on the stability and upward trend of natural gas prices. The ETF's position above the 200-day SMA suggests a positive underlying trend, but its proximity to the 50-day SMA indicates potential for near-term choppiness.
Key factors to monitor include global energy demand, particularly heading into winter months, geopolitical developments impacting supply, and the pace of the energy transition. Should natural gas prices remain elevated or trend higher, FCG could see further upside, potentially testing resistance levels around its recent highs. Conversely, any significant downturn in natural gas prices or negative regulatory shifts could pressure the ETF lower.
Market Correlations
How this etf moves relative to other assets
Based on 1 year of daily price data. Correlations may vary over different time periods.
As of October 15, 2026, FCG's 1-year correlation of daily returns is +0.34 with S&P 500 (SPY), +0.25 with Nasdaq 100 (QQQ), +0.03 with Bitcoin (BTC) and +0.01 with gold (XAU).
How does any other asset move with FCG? One year of daily closes, Pearson correlation.
Key Statistics
| Net Assets | 637.60M |
|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.5900% |
| Yield | 2.31% |
| Day High | $30.68 |
| Day Low | $30.00 |
| 52 Week High | 33.03 |
| 52 Week Low | 21.76 |
First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) holds approximately 98.02% of its assets in the Energy sector, with a minor 1.98% in Technology. This high concentration makes the fund highly sensitive to the performance and outlook of the natural gas industry. The fund's expense ratio is 0.59%, costing $59.00 per $10,000 invested annually.
With net assets totaling $637,601,472, FCG is a substantial vehicle for investors seeking exposure to U.S. natural gas companies. The fund's strategy focuses on companies engaged in exploration, production, and midstream transportation, providing a targeted approach to this specific energy sub-sector.
Fund Performance Analysis
As an ETF focused on the natural gas sector, FCG's performance is intrinsically linked to the earnings trends of its underlying holdings, which are primarily energy companies. The sector's profitability is driven by natural gas prices and demand. Stronger natural gas prices typically translate to higher revenues and earnings for these companies, positively impacting FCG's performance.
The fund's trailing returns show a significant year-to-date return of 23.92%, indicating a strong performance period for the natural gas sector leading up to October 2026. However, the 1-month return of -7.85% suggests recent headwinds or a sector rotation away from natural gas.
Key Risks
The primary risk for FCG is its high concentration in the Energy sector, specifically natural gas companies. This makes the fund vulnerable to significant price swings driven by fluctuations in natural gas prices, geopolitical events, and regulatory changes affecting the energy industry.
Another risk stems from the fund's expense ratio of 0.59%, which can erode returns over the long term, especially if the underlying sector experiences moderate performance. The recent negative 1-month return also highlights the potential for short-term volatility.
Technical Indicators
| RSI (14-day) | 52.76 |
|---|---|
| MACD (12, 26) | -0.00265 |
| SMA (50-day) | 30.39 |
| SMA (200-day) | 28.67 |
As of October 15, 2026, with FCG at $30.31, its 14-day RSI is 52.8 (neutral territory), its 50-day simple moving average is $30.39 and its 200-day is $28.67.
Calculated by CleaRank on daily closes as of October 15, 2026: Wilder's 14-day RSI, 50- and 200-day simple moving averages, MACD line (12, 26).
FCG Trade Plans
Specific entry, exit, and risk management levels
Long entry pick an entry style
Risk Management
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative Entry)
These levels come from FCG's moving averages and recent volatility, not from a forecast. Educational levels, not financial advice; the full disclaimer is at the foot of the page.
Growth of $10,000
A $10,000 investment in FCG in October 2016 would be worth about $15,414 today with dividends reinvested, compared with about $42,405 for the same investment in the S&P 500 benchmark (also with dividends reinvested).
Compare with Another Ticker
FCG Drawdowns & Recovery
As of October 15, 2026, FCG's worst peak-to-trough fall over the last 10 years with dividends reinvested was -83.8% (December 2016 to March 2020); it regained that peak by March 2022, 25 months after the low, and 52% of 1-year holding periods ended with a gain.
From weekly closing values with dividends reinvested. A drawdown is the fall from the highest value reached so far to a later low.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
CleaRank's 10-year Monte Carlo simulation projects that a $10,000 investment in FCG today could grow to about $14,914 by 2036 in the base case, with a 90th-percentile outcome near $71,233 and a 10th-percentile outcome around $3,123. The simulation models price only; at today's 2.31% yield, dividends would add to these figures. Projections are statistical simulations, not guarantees.
FCG 2030 Scenarios (Monte Carlo)
CleaRank's simulation projects a price near $35.57 for FCG by 2030 in the base case, from $30.31 today (1.2x over 4 years). The 10th-percentile path ends near $13.23. These are outcomes of a Monte Carlo simulation run on FCG's historical return distribution, not price targets, and they assume no dividends are reinvested.
| Year | 10th percentile | Base case | 90th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $19.24 | $31.55 | $51.72 |
| 2028 | $16.32 | $32.83 | $66.07 |
| 2029 | $14.51 | $34.17 | $80.47 |
| 2030 | $13.23 | $35.57 | $95.61 |
| 2031 | $12.25 | $37.02 | $112 |
Method: a lognormal simulation of FCG's own volatility and capped historical trend, re-run daily; base case is the median path, the outer columns the 10th and 90th percentiles.