CPAI vs. FTDS

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

CPAI (Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. CPAI is actively managed, while FTDS is passively managed. Over the past year, CPAI returned 44.76% vs 24.87% for FTDS. Their 0.51 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. CPAI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

CPAI vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CPAI achieves a 26.13% return, which is significantly higher than FTDS's 15.08% return.

CPAI

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: -0.84%
• 6M: 17.38%
• YTD: 26.13%
• 1Y: 44.76%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 30.02%

FTDS

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 4.00%
• 6M: 8.67%
• YTD: 15.08%
• 1Y: 24.87%
• 3Y*: 15.10%
• 5Y*: 8.13%
• 10Y*: 11.18%
• ALL TIME*: 6.70%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
CPAI Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF	$4.18M	$3.24M	$3.18M
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	$146.70K	$150.71K	$191.32K

CPAI vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CPAI Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF	26.13%	17.79%	28.37%	5.67%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	15.08%	13.64%	11.12%	8.29%

Correlation

The correlation between CPAI and FTDS is 0.30, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 29, 2023	0.51

Over the past year, the correlation between CPAI and FTDS has dropped to 0.30 - well below their long-term average of 0.51, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

CPAI vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CPAI	FTDS
Technology	34.1%	8.6%
Healthcare	28.0%	9.6%
Energy	12.0%	17.6%
Industrials	8.1%	20.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.1%	1.9%
Communication Services	4.0%	-
Basic Materials	3.9%	8.3%
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	3.3%
Real Estate	2.0%	-
Financial Services	1.9%	30.2%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CPAI vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

CPAI

CPAI Risk / Return Rank: 88
CPAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
CPAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
CPAI Omega Ratio Rank: 85
CPAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
CPAI Martin Ratio Rank: 91

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 81
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 78
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

CPAI vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF (CPAI) 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.

	CPAI	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	1.86	+0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	2.76	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.33	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.10	3.61	+0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.90	9.38	+5.52

CPAI vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPAI Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPAI 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

CPAI vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPAI drawdown since its inception was -21.46%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPAI and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPAI	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.46%	-56.53%	+35.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.48%	-6.57%	-3.91%
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	-2.82%	-0.74%	-2.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.96%	-9.81%	+6.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.88%	2.53%	+0.35%

Volatility

CPAI vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF (CPAI) has a higher volatility of 5.82% compared to First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) at 3.55%. This indicates that CPAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTDS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPAI	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.82%	3.55%	+2.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.27%	8.28%	+7.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.63%	12.81%	+6.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.43%	17.52%	+1.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.43%	20.05%	-0.62%

CPAI vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPAI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPAI vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

CPAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.71%, less than FTDS's 1.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CPAI Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF	0.71%	0.89%	0.41%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.53%	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 CPAI and FTDS in my portfolio?

CPAI and FTDS have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPAI or FTDS?

CPAI has higher volatility (5.82%) compared to FTDS (3.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPAI dropped -21.46% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, CPAI or FTDS?

On 1-year performance, CPAI leads with 44.76% vs 24.87% for FTDS. On fees, FTDS is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPAI or FTDS?

Over the 1-year period, CPAI has performed better with a 44.76% return vs 24.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPAI or FTDS?

FTDS is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for CPAI.

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

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.53%, compared with 0.71% for CPAI.

What is the main difference between CPAI and FTDS?

They also come from different issuers: Counterpoint and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for CPAI and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CPAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.86), 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.