BLES vs. FGD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BLES (Inspire Global Hope ETF) and FGD (First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund) are both Global Equities funds - BLES tracks the Inspire Global Hope Large Cap Equal Weight Index while FGD tracks the Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BLES returned 7.38%/yr vs 10.37%/yr for FGD. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BLES charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for FGD.

Performance

BLES vs. FGD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Inspire Global Hope ETF (BLES) and First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BLES achieves a 11.95% return, which is significantly higher than FGD's 11.09% return.

BLES

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 11.95%
• 6M: 12.47%
• 1Y: 23.80%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: 7.38%
• 10Y*: —

FGD

• 1D: -1.27%
• 1M: 1.09%
• YTD: 11.09%
• 6M: 12.57%
• 1Y: 33.36%
• 3Y*: 22.45%
• 5Y*: 10.37%
• 10Y*: 9.79%

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

BLES vs. FGD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BLES Inspire Global Hope ETF	11.95%	19.25%	5.59%	16.47%	-16.21%	24.36%	12.22%	28.39%	-13.43%	15.23%
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	11.09%	44.42%	5.71%	8.20%	-7.25%	20.83%	-5.23%	20.64%	-12.49%	13.30%

Correlation

The correlation between BLES and FGD is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 1, 2017	0.83

The correlation between BLES and FGD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

BLES vs. FGD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BLES	FGD
Industrials	16.3%	14.3%
Technology	15.6%	1.2%
Financial Services	10.3%	33.6%
Basic Materials	7.8%	6.4%
Real Estate	6.9%	2.4%
Healthcare	5.8%	-
Energy	5.8%	10.0%
Utilities	5.5%	4.9%
Consumer Cyclical	4.5%	8.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	9.2%
Communication Services	1.0%	9.3%

Return for Risk

BLES vs. FGD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BLES

BLES Risk / Return Rank: 57
BLES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
BLES Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
BLES Omega Ratio Rank: 54
BLES Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
BLES Martin Ratio Rank: 61

FGD

FGD Risk / Return Rank: 74
FGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
FGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FGD Omega Ratio Rank: 79
FGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FGD Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

BLES vs. FGD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Inspire Global Hope ETF (BLES) and First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD). 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.

	BLES	FGD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	2.67	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	3.59	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.48	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	3.41	-0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.93	12.03	-1.10
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BLES vs. FGD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLES Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the FGD Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLES and FGD, 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

	BLES	FGD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.92	2.67	-0.74
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45	0.70	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.54	0.26	+0.28

Drawdowns

BLES vs. FGD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLES drawdown since its inception was -40.35%, smaller than the maximum FGD drawdown of -68.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLES and FGD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLES	FGD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.35%	-68.05%	+27.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.29%	-9.82%	+1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.46%	-11.50%	-3.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.61%	-28.68%	+2.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.55%	-2.05%	+1.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.05%	-12.57%	+6.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.18%	2.78%	-0.60%

Volatility

BLES vs. FGD - Volatility Comparison

Inspire Global Hope ETF (BLES) has a higher volatility of 3.61% compared to First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) at 3.20%. This indicates that BLES's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FGD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BLES	FGD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.61%	3.20%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.60%	9.73%	-0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.43%	12.56%	-0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.46%	14.92%	+1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.94%	18.23%	+0.71%

BLES vs. FGD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLES has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than FGD's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLES vs. FGD - Dividend Comparison

BLES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%, less than FGD's 5.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BLES Inspire Global Hope ETF	1.77%	1.97%	1.90%	1.80%	1.64%	9.28%	1.61%	2.16%	1.73%	2.01%	0.00%	0.00%
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	5.09%	5.62%	5.87%	6.44%	5.74%	5.35%	6.17%	5.19%	5.88%	4.01%	4.36%	5.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLES and FGD in my portfolio?

BLES and FGD have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BLES or FGD?

BLES has higher volatility (3.61%) compared to FGD (3.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLES dropped -40.35% vs FGD's -68.05%.

Which ETF is better, BLES or FGD?

On 5-year performance, FGD leads with 10.37% vs 7.38% for BLES. On fees, BLES is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, FGD has been the lower-risk option at 3.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLES or FGD?

Over the 5-year period, FGD has performed better with a 10.37% return vs 7.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLES or FGD?

BLES is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for FGD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BLES or FGD?

FGD has the higher dividend yield at 5.09%, compared with 1.77% for BLES.

What is the main difference between BLES and FGD?

BLES tracks Inspire Global Hope Large Cap Equal Weight Index, while FGD tracks Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: Inspire and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for BLES and 0.59% for FGD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 1.92), 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.