ASCI vs. FDTS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) and FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. ASCI is actively managed, while FDTS is passively managed. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ASCI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDTS.

Performance

ASCI vs. FDTS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASCI achieves a 7.39% return, which is significantly lower than FDTS's 16.64% return.

ASCI

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: 7.39%
• 6M: 8.24%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDTS

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: -2.48%
• YTD: 16.64%
• 6M: 19.06%
• 1Y: 45.71%
• 3Y*: 25.36%
• 5Y*: 10.59%
• 10Y*: 10.50%

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

ASCI vs. FDTS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	7.39%	1.11%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	16.64%	5.37%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCI and FDTS is 0.76, 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 Oct 21, 2025	0.76

Return for Risk

ASCI vs. FDTS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDTS

FDTS Risk / Return Rank: 76
FDTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 77
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

ASCI vs. FDTS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). 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

	ASCI	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.69	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.42	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.77	0.37	+0.40

Drawdowns

ASCI vs. FDTS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCI drawdown since its inception was -11.22%, smaller than the maximum FDTS drawdown of -51.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCI and FDTS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCI	FDTS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.22%	-51.26%	+40.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-12.61%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.19%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.11%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-6.49%	+3.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-10.65%	+8.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.44%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCI	FDTS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.54%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.09%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.68%	17.05%	+1.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.68%	29.28%	-10.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.68%	24.85%	-6.17%

ASCI vs. FDTS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASCI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than FDTS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASCI vs. FDTS - Dividend Comparison

ASCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than FDTS's 2.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.75%	0.80%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	2.58%	2.94%	3.94%	2.90%	3.71%	3.01%	2.02%	2.30%	1.96%	2.08%	1.78%	1.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCI and FDTS in my portfolio?

ASCI and FDTS have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ASCI or FDTS?

On fees, ASCI is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCI or FDTS?

ASCI is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASCI or FDTS?

FDTS has the higher dividend yield at 2.58%, compared with 0.75% for ASCI.

What is the main difference between ASCI and FDTS?

They also come from different issuers: abrdn and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for ASCI and 0.80% for FDTS.