DGS vs. FTHF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DGS (WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund) and FTHF (First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds - DGS tracks the WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index while FTHF tracks the Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, DGS returned 23.97% vs 99.98% for FTHF. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DGS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTHF.

Performance

DGS vs. FTHF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) and First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGS achieves a 12.85% return, which is significantly lower than FTHF's 48.98% return.

DGS

• 1D: -2.97%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: 12.85%
• 6M: 13.23%
• 1Y: 23.97%
• 3Y*: 15.58%
• 5Y*: 7.67%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

FTHF

• 1D: -6.80%
• 1M: 6.57%
• YTD: 48.98%
• 6M: 51.53%
• 1Y: 99.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DGS vs. FTHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund	12.85%	21.18%	1.13%	13.97%
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	48.98%	65.30%	-8.14%	18.14%

Correlation

The correlation between DGS and FTHF is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2023	0.84

The correlation between DGS and FTHF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DGS vs. FTHF — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGS

DGS Risk / Return Rank: 45
DGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
DGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
DGS Omega Ratio Rank: 43
DGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
DGS Martin Ratio Rank: 49

FTHF

FTHF Risk / Return Rank: 87
FTHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FTHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FTHF Omega Ratio Rank: 89
FTHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
FTHF Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

DGS vs. FTHF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) and First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF). 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.

	DGS	FTHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	2.79	-1.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	3.22	-1.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.52	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.39	6.16	-3.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.88	16.85	-8.97

DGS vs. FTHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGS Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is lower than the FTHF Sharpe Ratio of 2.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGS and FTHF, 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

DGS vs. FTHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGS drawdown since its inception was -61.83%, which is greater than FTHF's maximum drawdown of -17.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGS and FTHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGS	FTHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.83%	-17.36%	-44.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.06%	-16.31%	+6.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.31%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.86%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.08%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.33%	-6.80%	+3.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.56%	-4.22%	-8.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	5.95%	-2.90%

Volatility

DGS vs. FTHF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) is 7.86%, while First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) has a volatility of 17.38%. This indicates that DGS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTHF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGS	FTHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.86%	17.38%	-9.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.73%	28.89%	-14.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.88%	36.06%	-19.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.19%	26.89%	-11.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.33%	26.89%	-9.56%

DGS vs. FTHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than FTHF's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGS vs. FTHF - Dividend Comparison

DGS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.26%, more than FTHF's 3.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund	3.26%	3.45%	3.36%	4.55%	5.34%	3.98%	3.69%	3.95%	4.24%	2.81%	3.42%	3.28%
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	3.03%	4.40%	3.34%	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGS and FTHF in my portfolio?

DGS and FTHF have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DGS or FTHF?

FTHF has higher volatility (17.38%) compared to DGS (7.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGS dropped -61.83% vs FTHF's -17.36%.

Which ETF is better, DGS or FTHF?

On 1-year performance, FTHF leads with 99.98% vs 23.97% for DGS. On fees, DGS is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, DGS has been the lower-risk option at 7.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DGS or FTHF?

Over the 1-year period, FTHF has performed better with a 99.98% return vs 23.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DGS or FTHF?

DGS is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTHF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DGS or FTHF?

DGS has the higher dividend yield at 3.26%, compared with 3.03% for FTHF.

What is the main difference between DGS and FTHF?

DGS tracks WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index, while FTHF tracks Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DGS and 0.75% for FTHF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 1.43), 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.