AFOS vs. FDT

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) and FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - AFOS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by ARS Investment Partners, while FDT is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AFOS charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDT.

Performance

AFOS vs. FDT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AFOS achieves a 32.24% return, which is significantly higher than FDT's 24.89% return.

AFOS

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 7.26%
• YTD: 32.24%
• 6M: 36.70%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDT

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: 2.67%
• YTD: 24.89%
• 6M: 27.78%
• 1Y: 53.72%
• 3Y*: 29.96%
• 5Y*: 12.44%
• 10Y*: 10.76%

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

AFOS vs. FDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	32.24%	36.15%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	24.89%	18.68%

Correlation

The correlation between AFOS and FDT is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2025	0.73

Return for Risk

AFOS vs. FDT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 84
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
FDT Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

AFOS vs. FDT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AFOS	FDT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.93	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.69	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.58	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.35	0.39	+3.95

Drawdowns

AFOS vs. FDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFOS drawdown since its inception was -11.52%, smaller than the maximum FDT drawdown of -46.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFOS and FDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFOS	FDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.52%	-46.10%	+34.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-13.41%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.29%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.18%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-2.07%	+1.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.37%	-10.77%	+9.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AFOS	FDT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.03%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	15.93%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.14%	18.42%	+1.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.14%	18.23%	+1.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.14%	18.52%	+1.62%

AFOS vs. FDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFOS has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FDT's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFOS vs. FDT - Dividend Comparison

AFOS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, less than FDT's 2.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	2.85%	3.27%	3.89%	4.36%	2.29%	3.80%	2.42%	2.78%	2.13%	1.57%	1.76%	1.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFOS and FDT in my portfolio?

AFOS and FDT have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AFOS or FDT?

On fees, AFOS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFOS or FDT?

AFOS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AFOS or FDT?

FDT has the higher dividend yield at 2.85%, compared with 0.22% for AFOS.

What is the main difference between AFOS and FDT?

AFOS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while FDT is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: ARS Investment Partners and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for AFOS and 0.80% for FDT.