DFE vs. FEP

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFE (WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund) and FEP (First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund) are both Europe Equities funds - DFE tracks the WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Index while FEP tracks the Defined Europe Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DFE returned 7.89%/yr vs 11.19%/yr for FEP. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFE charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FEP.

Performance

DFE vs. FEP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE) and First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund (FEP). 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 FEP's 7.28% return. Over the past 10 years, DFE has underperformed FEP with an annualized return of 7.89%, while FEP has yielded a comparatively higher 11.19% 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%

FEP

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -2.05%
• YTD: 7.28%
• 6M: 7.31%
• 1Y: 27.23%
• 3Y*: 23.84%
• 5Y*: 9.54%
• 10Y*: 11.19%

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

DFE vs. FEP - 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%
FEP First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund	7.28%	55.72%	3.38%	16.85%	-22.97%	17.03%	4.12%	24.83%	-19.00%	36.27%

Correlation

The correlation between DFE and FEP is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 26, 2011	0.84

The correlation between DFE and FEP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFE vs. FEP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFE	FEP
Industrials	31.1%	26.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	11.1%
Financial Services	10.8%	10.0%
Basic Materials	8.3%	11.6%
Real Estate	7.0%	5.0%
Technology	6.8%	3.2%
Communication Services	5.8%	3.6%
Healthcare	5.6%	4.7%
Energy	4.6%	10.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	7.8%
Utilities	3.4%	6.8%

Return for Risk

DFE vs. FEP — 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

FEP

FEP Risk / Return Rank: 49
FEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
FEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
FEP Omega Ratio Rank: 47
FEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
FEP Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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. FEP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE) and First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund (FEP). 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	FEP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.71	1.59	-0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.10	2.22	-1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.29	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.94	2.25	-1.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.14	8.64	-5.51

DFE vs. FEP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFE Sharpe Ratio is 0.71, which is lower than the FEP Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFE and FEP, 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. FEP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFE drawdown since its inception was -69.38%, which is greater than FEP's maximum drawdown of -46.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFE and FEP.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFE	FEP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.38%	-46.05%	-23.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.41%	-12.13%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.41%	-15.83%	-0.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.34%	-38.99%	-1.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.66%	-46.05%	-3.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.74%	-3.89%	-1.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.69%	-11.99%	-5.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.40%	3.16%	+0.24%

Volatility

DFE vs. FEP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE) is 4.86%, while First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund (FEP) has a volatility of 5.32%. This indicates that DFE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FEP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFE	FEP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	5.32%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.62%	14.58%	-1.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.05%	17.18%	-2.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.07%	19.72%	-0.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.37%	20.33%	-0.96%

DFE vs. FEP - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFE has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than FEP's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFE vs. FEP - Dividend Comparison

DFE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.00%, more than FEP's 3.05% 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%
FEP First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund	3.05%	3.33%	4.94%	3.27%	3.00%	3.49%	2.32%	2.63%	2.62%	1.65%	2.14%	2.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFE and FEP in my portfolio?

DFE and FEP have a correlation of 0.88, 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 FEP?

FEP has higher volatility (5.32%) compared to DFE (4.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFE dropped -69.38% vs FEP's -46.05%.

Which ETF is better, DFE or FEP?

On 10-year performance, FEP leads with 11.19% vs 7.89% for DFE. On fees, DFE is cheaper at 0.58% per year. 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 FEP?

Over the 10-year period, FEP has performed better with a 11.19% 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 FEP?

DFE is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FEP.

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

DFE has the higher dividend yield at 4.00%, compared with 3.05% for FEP.

What is the main difference between DFE and FEP?

DFE tracks WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Index, while FEP tracks Defined Europe Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DFE and 0.80% for FEP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 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.