DFE vs. FDD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFE (WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund) and FDD (First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund) are both Europe Equities funds - DFE tracks the WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Index while FDD tracks the STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DFE returned 7.89%/yr vs 10.75%/yr for FDD. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.58% expense ratio.

Performance

DFE vs. FDD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE) and First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFE achieves a 2.33% return, which is significantly lower than FDD's 10.10% return. Over the past 10 years, DFE has underperformed FDD with an annualized return of 7.89%, while FDD has yielded a comparatively higher 10.75% annualized return.

DFE

• 1D: -1.30%
• 1M: -3.73%
• YTD: 2.33%
• 6M: 3.37%
• 1Y: 10.63%
• 3Y*: 14.30%
• 5Y*: 4.37%
• 10Y*: 7.89%

FDD

• 1D: -1.94%
• 1M: -2.36%
• YTD: 10.10%
• 6M: 10.41%
• 1Y: 30.12%
• 3Y*: 26.20%
• 5Y*: 11.36%
• 10Y*: 10.75%

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

DFE vs. FDD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFE WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund	2.33%	32.85%	-0.61%	14.94%	-22.15%	18.44%	2.15%	27.15%	-21.23%	32.71%
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	10.10%	62.50%	0.28%	14.16%	-16.14%	16.03%	-3.80%	23.79%	-8.98%	19.07%

Correlation

The correlation between DFE and FDD is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2007	0.75

The correlation between DFE and FDD shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (all time) to 0.88 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DFE vs. FDD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFE	FDD
Industrials	31.1%	13.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	12.3%
Financial Services	10.8%	52.0%
Basic Materials	8.3%	3.1%
Real Estate	7.0%	3.3%
Technology	6.8%	-
Communication Services	5.8%	2.1%
Healthcare	5.6%	-
Energy	4.6%	10.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	3.6%
Utilities	3.4%	6.0%

Return for Risk

DFE vs. FDD — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFE

DFE Risk / Return Rank: 22
DFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
DFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
DFE Omega Ratio Rank: 20
DFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
DFE Martin Ratio Rank: 25

FDD

FDD Risk / Return Rank: 60
FDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
FDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
FDD Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
FDD Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

DFE vs. FDD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE) and First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD). 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.

	DFE	FDD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.71	1.88	-1.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.10	2.61	-1.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.32	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.94	3.22	-2.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.14	10.63	-7.50

DFE vs. FDD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFE Sharpe Ratio is 0.71, which is lower than the FDD Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFE and FDD, 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

DFE vs. FDD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFE drawdown since its inception was -69.38%, smaller than the maximum FDD drawdown of -74.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFE and FDD.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFE	FDD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.38%	-74.77%	+5.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.41%	-9.39%	-2.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.41%	-13.06%	-3.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.34%	-34.84%	-5.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.66%	-41.43%	-8.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.74%	-3.52%	-2.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.69%	-35.37%	+17.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.40%	2.84%	+0.56%

Volatility

DFE vs. FDD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE) is 4.86%, while First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) has a volatility of 5.51%. This indicates that DFE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFE	FDD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	5.51%	-0.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.62%	13.16%	-0.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.05%	16.09%	-1.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.07%	18.48%	+0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.37%	19.86%	-0.49%

DFE vs. FDD - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DFE and FDD have an expense ratio of 0.58%.

Dividends

DFE vs. FDD - Dividend Comparison

DFE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.00%, more than FDD's 3.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFE WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund	4.00%	4.38%	4.93%	4.97%	5.84%	2.56%	2.43%	3.39%	4.97%	2.53%	4.05%	2.78%
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	3.59%	3.99%	7.65%	6.85%	6.07%	3.44%	4.01%	4.69%	5.05%	2.78%	4.88%	4.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFE and FDD in my portfolio?

DFE and FDD have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFE or FDD?

FDD has higher volatility (5.51%) compared to DFE (4.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFE dropped -69.38% vs FDD's -74.77%.

Which ETF is better, DFE or FDD?

On 10-year performance, FDD leads with 10.75% vs 7.89% for DFE. Both ETFs have the same 0.58% expense ratio. On volatility, DFE has been the lower-risk option at 4.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFE or FDD?

Over the 10-year period, FDD has performed better with a 10.75% return vs 7.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFE or FDD?

DFE and FDD have the same expense ratio: 0.58% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFE or FDD?

DFE has the higher dividend yield at 4.00%, compared with 3.59% for FDD.

What is the main difference between DFE and FDD?

DFE tracks WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Index, while FDD tracks STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 0.71), 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.