ABCS vs. FTDS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ABCS (Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - ABCS tracks the BNY Mellon ABC Index while FTDS tracks the Dividend Strength Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ABCS returned 16.85% vs 18.40% for FTDS. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ABCS charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

ABCS vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF (ABCS) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ABCS achieves a 6.97% return, which is significantly higher than FTDS's 6.54% return.

ABCS

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 2.28%
• YTD: 6.97%
• 6M: 7.94%
• 1Y: 16.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTDS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -2.16%
• YTD: 6.54%
• 6M: 6.72%
• 1Y: 18.40%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: 6.32%
• 10Y*: 10.75%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ABCS vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ABCS Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF	6.97%	7.95%	14.47%	1.97%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	6.54%	13.64%	11.12%	1.77%

Correlation

The correlation between ABCS and FTDS is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 21, 2023	0.86

The correlation between ABCS and FTDS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

ABCS vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ABCS	FTDS
Financial Services	21.3%	27.9%
Healthcare	14.7%	9.4%
Technology	14.0%	9.4%
Consumer Cyclical	13.7%	3.4%
Industrials	10.9%	19.8%
Energy	6.5%	20.2%
Real Estate	5.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	1.9%
Utilities	3.5%	-
Basic Materials	3.5%	8.0%
Communication Services	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

ABCS vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ABCS

ABCS Risk / Return Rank: 38
ABCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
ABCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
ABCS Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ABCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
ABCS Martin Ratio Rank: 40

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 45
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 39
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 46

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ABCS vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF (ABCS) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	ABCS	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.44	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	2.19	-0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.25	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.03	2.81	-0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.39	7.56	-1.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ABCS vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ABCS Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ABCS and FTDS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ABCS	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.25	1.44	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.32	+0.45

Drawdowns

ABCS vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ABCS drawdown since its inception was -20.52%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ABCS and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ABCS	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.52%	-56.53%	+36.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.33%	-6.57%	-1.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.04%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.35%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.49%	-4.46%	+3.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.53%	-9.87%	+6.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	2.44%	+0.20%

Volatility

ABCS vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF (ABCS) is 2.66%, while First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) has a volatility of 3.48%. This indicates that ABCS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTDS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ABCS	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.66%	3.48%	-0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.27%	8.87%	+0.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.60%	12.92%	+0.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.09%	17.65%	-0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.09%	20.14%	-3.05%

ABCS vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ABCS has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

ABCS vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

ABCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.26%, less than FTDS's 1.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ABCS Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF	1.26%	1.37%	1.39%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.66%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ABCS and FTDS in my portfolio?

ABCS and FTDS have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ABCS or FTDS?

FTDS has higher volatility (3.48%) compared to ABCS (2.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ABCS dropped -20.52% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, ABCS or FTDS?

On 1-year performance, FTDS leads with 18.40% vs 16.85% for ABCS. On fees, ABCS is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, ABCS has been the lower-risk option at 2.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ABCS or FTDS?

Over the 1-year period, FTDS has performed better with a 18.40% return vs 16.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ABCS or FTDS?

ABCS is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ABCS or FTDS?

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.66%, compared with 1.26% for ABCS.

What is the main difference between ABCS and FTDS?

ABCS tracks BNY Mellon ABC Index, while FTDS tracks Dividend Strength Index. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for ABCS and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.25), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.