BRIE vs. FDT

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BRIE (MFS Blended Research International Equity ETF) and FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. BRIE is actively managed, while FDT is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BRIE charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDT.

Performance

BRIE vs. FDT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Blended Research International Equity ETF (BRIE) 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, BRIE achieves a 12.34% return, which is significantly lower than FDT's 14.96% return.

BRIE

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: -2.43%
• 6M: 7.77%
• YTD: 12.34%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDT

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: -8.86%
• 6M: 8.25%
• YTD: 14.96%
• 1Y: 35.51%
• 3Y*: 23.63%
• 5Y*: 11.65%
• 10Y*: 9.99%

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

BRIE vs. FDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BRIE MFS Blended Research International Equity ETF	12.34%	6.54%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	14.96%	7.68%

Correlation

The correlation between BRIE and FDT is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 22, 2025	0.87

Return for Risk

BRIE vs. FDT — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRIE

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

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 65
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 68
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
FDT 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.

BRIE vs. FDT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Blended Research International Equity ETF (BRIE) 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.

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.

	BRIE	FDT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.74	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.31	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.32	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.66	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	8.86	—

Drawdowns

BRIE vs. FDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRIE drawdown since its inception was -11.39%, smaller than the maximum FDT drawdown of -46.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRIE and FDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRIE	FDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.39%	-46.10%	+34.71%
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	—	-32.80%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.09%	-9.86%	+6.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.11%	-10.73%	+8.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.02%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BRIE	FDT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.48%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.46%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.20%	20.55%	-2.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.20%	18.62%	-0.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.20%	18.53%	-0.33%

BRIE vs. FDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRIE has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is lower than FDT's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRIE vs. FDT - Dividend Comparison

BRIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, less than FDT's 2.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BRIE MFS Blended Research International Equity ETF	0.24%	0.27%	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	2.91%	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 BRIE and FDT in my portfolio?

BRIE and FDT have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BRIE or FDT?

On fees, BRIE is cheaper at 0.34% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BRIE or FDT?

BRIE is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDT.

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

FDT has the higher dividend yield at 2.91%, compared with 0.24% for BRIE.

What is the main difference between BRIE and FDT?

They also come from different issuers: MFS and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for BRIE and 0.80% for FDT.