DON vs. FAB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DON (WisdomTree US MidCap Dividend ETF) and FAB (First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds - DON tracks the WisdomTree U.S. MidCap Dividend Index while FAB tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Multi Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DON returned 9.16%/yr vs 10.39%/yr for FAB. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DON charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for FAB.

Performance

DON vs. FAB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree US MidCap Dividend ETF (DON) and First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FAB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DON achieves a 7.24% return, which is significantly lower than FAB's 10.72% return. Over the past 10 years, DON has underperformed FAB with an annualized return of 9.16%, while FAB has yielded a comparatively higher 10.39% annualized return.

DON

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 7.24%
• 6M: 6.89%
• 1Y: 14.24%
• 3Y*: 13.37%
• 5Y*: 7.54%
• 10Y*: 9.16%

FAB

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 0.77%
• YTD: 10.72%
• 6M: 11.08%
• 1Y: 26.09%
• 3Y*: 15.20%
• 5Y*: 7.87%
• 10Y*: 10.39%

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

DON vs. FAB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DON WisdomTree US MidCap Dividend ETF	7.24%	3.86%	14.20%	14.04%	-4.72%	30.29%	-5.40%	23.31%	-8.26%	14.86%
FAB First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	10.72%	9.86%	7.82%	15.81%	-6.79%	30.83%	2.40%	23.73%	-14.62%	14.62%

Correlation

The correlation between DON and FAB is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 24, 2007	0.87

The correlation between DON and FAB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

DON vs. FAB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DON	FAB
Financial Services	21.1%	23.9%
Industrials	17.1%	12.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	13.9%
Real Estate	9.3%	7.7%
Energy	7.9%	8.3%
Utilities	6.9%	6.2%
Basic Materials	6.4%	3.9%
Technology	4.5%	7.9%
Communication Services	3.9%	2.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	5.9%
Healthcare	2.4%	7.1%

Return for Risk

DON vs. FAB — Risk / Return Rank

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

DON

DON Risk / Return Rank: 31
DON Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
DON Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
DON Omega Ratio Rank: 27
DON Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
DON Martin Ratio Rank: 32

FAB

FAB Risk / Return Rank: 63
FAB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
FAB Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FAB Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FAB Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
FAB Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

DON vs. FAB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree US MidCap Dividend ETF (DON) and First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FAB). 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.

	DON	FAB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	1.91	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	2.92	-1.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.34	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	3.94	-2.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.93	12.25	-7.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DON vs. FAB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DON Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is lower than the FAB Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DON and FAB, 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

	DON	FAB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.10	1.91	-0.80
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.42	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	0.47	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.34	+0.08

Drawdowns

DON vs. FAB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DON drawdown since its inception was -61.94%, roughly equal to the maximum FAB drawdown of -63.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DON and FAB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DON	FAB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.94%	-63.29%	+1.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.05%	-6.65%	-2.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.46%	-22.91%	+1.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.46%	-22.91%	+1.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.80%	-47.08%	+0.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.93%	-0.98%	-0.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.90%	-9.25%	+1.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	2.14%	+0.76%

Volatility

DON vs. FAB - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree US MidCap Dividend ETF (DON) and First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FAB) have volatilities of 3.06% and 3.15%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DON	FAB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.06%	3.15%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.87%	8.64%	+0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.97%	13.81%	-0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.77%	18.72%	-0.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.26%	22.06%	-1.80%

DON vs. FAB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DON has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than FAB's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

DON vs. FAB - Dividend Comparison

DON's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.36%, more than FAB's 1.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DON WisdomTree US MidCap Dividend ETF	2.36%	2.53%	2.27%	2.41%	2.71%	2.12%	2.77%	2.38%	2.55%	2.25%	2.48%	2.89%
FAB First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	1.59%	1.57%	2.00%	1.94%	1.80%	1.32%	1.59%	1.75%	1.96%	1.42%	1.40%	1.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DON and FAB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, DON and FAB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DON or FAB?

FAB has higher volatility (3.15%) compared to DON (3.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DON dropped -61.94% vs FAB's -63.29%.

Which ETF is better, DON or FAB?

On 10-year performance, FAB leads with 10.39% vs 9.16% for DON. On fees, DON is cheaper at 0.38% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DON or FAB?

Over the 10-year period, FAB has performed better with a 10.39% return vs 9.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DON or FAB?

DON is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for FAB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DON or FAB?

DON has the higher dividend yield at 2.36%, compared with 1.59% for FAB.

What is the main difference between DON and FAB?

DON tracks WisdomTree U.S. MidCap Dividend Index, while FAB tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Multi Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for DON and 0.64% for FAB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.10), 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.