AVMC vs. FTDS

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

AVMC (Avantis U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. AVMC is actively managed, while FTDS is passively managed. Over the past year, AVMC returned 20.43% vs 22.63% for FTDS. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVMC charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

AVMC vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (AVMC) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with AVMC having a 12.88% return and FTDS slightly higher at 13.28%.

AVMC

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: -0.39%
• 6M: 7.19%
• YTD: 12.88%
• 1Y: 20.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTDS

• 1D: 2.03%
• 1M: 4.86%
• 6M: 7.42%
• YTD: 13.28%
• 1Y: 22.63%
• 3Y*: 16.03%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

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

AVMC vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AVMC Avantis U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	12.88%	9.98%	16.84%	14.02%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	13.28%	13.64%	11.12%	12.90%

Correlation

The correlation between AVMC and FTDS is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2023	0.81

The correlation between AVMC and FTDS shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (1 year) to 0.81 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AVMC vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVMC	FTDS
Industrials	18.9%	19.6%
Financial Services	15.8%	28.4%
Technology	15.1%	9.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.0%	3.4%
Healthcare	10.2%	9.3%
Energy	8.7%	19.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.8%	1.8%
Basic Materials	5.6%	8.5%
Utilities	5.3%	-
Communication Services	1.9%	-
Real Estate	0.6%	-

Return for Risk

AVMC vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVMC

AVMC Risk / Return Rank: 59
AVMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
AVMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
AVMC Omega Ratio Rank: 51
AVMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
AVMC Martin Ratio Rank: 68

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 70
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 64
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

AVMC vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (AVMC) 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.

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.

	AVMC	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	1.75	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.20	2.62	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.31	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	3.46	-0.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.67	8.78	+0.89

AVMC vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVMC Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is comparable to the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVMC 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.

Drawdowns

AVMC vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVMC drawdown since its inception was -21.84%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVMC and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVMC	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.84%	-56.53%	+34.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.90%	-6.57%	-1.33%
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	-1.11%	0.00%	-1.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.11%	-9.83%	+6.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.12%	2.58%	-0.46%

Volatility

AVMC vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (AVMC) is 2.85%, while First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) has a volatility of 3.66%. This indicates that AVMC 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

	AVMC	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.85%	3.66%	-0.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.17%	8.44%	+1.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.82%	12.95%	+0.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.80%	17.61%	-0.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.80%	20.04%	-3.24%

AVMC vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVMC has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVMC vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

AVMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, less than FTDS's 1.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVMC Avantis U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	0.95%	1.12%	1.02%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.55%	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 AVMC and FTDS in my portfolio?

AVMC and FTDS have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVMC or FTDS?

FTDS has higher volatility (3.66%) compared to AVMC (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVMC dropped -21.84% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, AVMC or FTDS?

On 1-year performance, FTDS leads with 22.63% vs 20.43% for AVMC. On fees, AVMC is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, AVMC has been the lower-risk option at 2.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVMC or FTDS?

Over the 1-year period, FTDS has performed better with a 22.63% return vs 20.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVMC or FTDS?

AVMC is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.55%, compared with 0.95% for AVMC.

What is the main difference between AVMC and FTDS?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for AVMC and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 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.