DISV vs. FDTS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DISV (Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF) and FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. DISV is actively managed, while FDTS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DISV returned 24.35%/yr vs 25.36%/yr for FDTS. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DISV charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDTS.

Performance

DISV vs. FDTS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DISV achieves a 10.83% return, which is significantly lower than FDTS's 16.64% return.

DISV

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 3.34%
• YTD: 10.83%
• 6M: 15.28%
• 1Y: 34.34%
• 3Y*: 24.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDTS

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: -2.48%
• YTD: 16.64%
• 6M: 19.06%
• 1Y: 45.71%
• 3Y*: 25.36%
• 5Y*: 10.59%
• 10Y*: 10.50%

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

DISV vs. FDTS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	10.83%	47.42%	5.87%	19.52%	-9.72%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	16.64%	51.17%	2.44%	10.96%	-12.07%

Correlation

The correlation between DISV and FDTS is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.79

The correlation between DISV and FDTS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

DISV vs. FDTS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DISV	FDTS
Financial Services	18.6%	11.7%
Basic Materials	18.3%	11.2%
Industrials	18.1%	23.0%
Consumer Cyclical	15.3%	18.4%
Energy	9.2%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	5.0%
Technology	4.1%	13.4%
Communication Services	3.4%	3.0%
Real Estate	3.2%	4.3%
Healthcare	3.0%	3.0%
Utilities	2.6%	2.7%

Return for Risk

DISV vs. FDTS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DISV

DISV Risk / Return Rank: 65
DISV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
DISV Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DISV Omega Ratio Rank: 69
DISV Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DISV Martin Ratio Rank: 58

FDTS

FDTS Risk / Return Rank: 76
FDTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 77
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

DISV vs. FDTS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). 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.

	DISV	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	2.69	-0.30
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	3.52	-0.24
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.46	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.72	3.64	-0.92
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.27	13.32	-3.05
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DISV vs. FDTS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DISV Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is comparable to the FDTS Sharpe Ratio of 2.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DISV and FDTS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DISV	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39	2.69	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.42	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.93	0.37	+0.56

Drawdowns

DISV vs. FDTS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DISV drawdown since its inception was -26.77%, smaller than the maximum FDTS drawdown of -51.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DISV and FDTS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DISV	FDTS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.77%	-51.26%	+24.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.69%	-12.61%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.15%	-13.19%	-0.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.11%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-6.49%	+4.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.90%	-10.65%	+5.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.35%	3.44%	-0.09%

Volatility

DISV vs. FDTS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) is 4.16%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) has a volatility of 6.54%. This indicates that DISV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDTS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DISV	FDTS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.16%	6.54%	-2.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.69%	14.09%	-2.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.45%	17.05%	-2.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.36%	29.28%	-11.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.36%	24.85%	-7.49%

DISV vs. FDTS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DISV has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than FDTS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

DISV vs. FDTS - Dividend Comparison

DISV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.39%, less than FDTS's 2.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	2.39%	2.69%	2.77%	2.73%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	2.58%	2.94%	3.94%	2.90%	3.71%	3.01%	2.02%	2.30%	1.96%	2.08%	1.78%	1.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DISV and FDTS in my portfolio?

DISV and FDTS have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DISV or FDTS?

FDTS has higher volatility (6.54%) compared to DISV (4.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DISV dropped -26.77% vs FDTS's -51.26%.

Which ETF is better, DISV or FDTS?

On 3-year performance, FDTS leads with 25.36% vs 24.35% for DISV. On fees, DISV is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, DISV has been the lower-risk option at 4.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DISV or FDTS?

Over the 3-year period, FDTS has performed better with a 25.36% return vs 24.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DISV or FDTS?

DISV is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DISV or FDTS?

FDTS has the higher dividend yield at 2.58%, compared with 2.39% for DISV.

What is the main difference between DISV and FDTS?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for DISV and 0.80% for FDTS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDTS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.69 vs 2.39), 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.