AVDS vs. FDTS

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

AVDS (Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF) and FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. AVDS is actively managed, while FDTS is passively managed. Over the past year, AVDS returned 23.73% vs 32.52% for FDTS. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVDS charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDTS.

Performance

AVDS vs. FDTS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) 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, AVDS achieves a 9.91% return, which is significantly lower than FDTS's 14.65% return.

AVDS

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: -1.37%
• 6M: 6.08%
• YTD: 9.91%
• 1Y: 23.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDTS

• 1D: 1.79%
• 1M: -3.48%
• 6M: 10.21%
• YTD: 14.65%
• 1Y: 32.52%
• 3Y*: 22.94%
• 5Y*: 10.73%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

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

AVDS vs. FDTS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	9.91%	38.18%	3.20%	3.58%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	14.65%	51.17%	2.44%	1.81%

Correlation

The correlation between AVDS and FDTS is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 20, 2023	0.88

The correlation between AVDS and FDTS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVDS vs. FDTS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVDS	FDTS
Industrials	22.4%	22.2%
Basic Materials	16.1%	11.3%
Consumer Cyclical	13.4%	18.9%
Financial Services	12.5%	11.9%
Technology	10.1%	14.1%
Energy	5.6%	4.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	4.7%
Healthcare	4.7%	2.8%
Real Estate	3.4%	4.3%
Communication Services	3.1%	3.2%
Utilities	3.1%	2.7%

Return for Risk

AVDS vs. FDTS — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVDS

AVDS Risk / Return Rank: 51
AVDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
AVDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
AVDS Omega Ratio Rank: 53
AVDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
AVDS Martin Ratio Rank: 51

FDTS

FDTS Risk / Return Rank: 62
FDTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 65
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

AVDS vs. FDTS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AVDS	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	1.72	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.36	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.31	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.87	2.55	-0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.86	7.48	-0.62

AVDS vs. FDTS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is comparable to the FDTS Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVDS and FDTS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AVDS vs. FDTS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVDS drawdown since its inception was -13.51%, smaller than the maximum FDTS drawdown of -51.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVDS and FDTS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVDS	FDTS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.51%	-51.26%	+37.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-12.61%	+0.17%
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	-3.59%	-8.08%	+4.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.85%	-10.63%	+7.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	4.29%	-0.91%

Volatility

AVDS vs. FDTS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) is 5.02%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) has a volatility of 7.43%. This indicates that AVDS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDTS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVDS	FDTS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.02%	7.43%	-2.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.54%	16.31%	-2.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.67%	18.64%	-2.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.47%	29.47%	-14.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.47%	24.82%	-9.35%

AVDS vs. FDTS - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVDS has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than FDTS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVDS vs. FDTS - Dividend Comparison

AVDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.31%, less than FDTS's 2.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	2.31%	2.37%	3.07%	0.72%	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	2.84%	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 AVDS and FDTS in my portfolio?

AVDS and FDTS have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVDS or FDTS?

FDTS has higher volatility (7.43%) compared to AVDS (5.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVDS dropped -13.51% vs FDTS's -51.26%.

Which ETF is better, AVDS or FDTS?

On 1-year performance, FDTS leads with 32.52% vs 23.73% for AVDS. On fees, AVDS is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, AVDS has been the lower-risk option at 5.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVDS or FDTS?

Over the 1-year period, FDTS has performed better with a 32.52% return vs 23.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVDS or FDTS?

AVDS is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

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

FDTS has the higher dividend yield at 2.84%, compared with 2.31% for AVDS.

What is the main difference between AVDS and FDTS?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for AVDS and 0.80% for FDTS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDTS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.48), 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.