DTAN vs. FDT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DTAN (Sparkline International Intangible Value ETF) and FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. DTAN is actively managed, while FDT is passively managed. Over the past year, DTAN returned 18.17% vs 55.05% for FDT. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DTAN charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDT.

Performance

DTAN vs. FDT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DTAN achieves a 5.63% return, which is significantly lower than FDT's 25.50% return.

DTAN

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: 4.14%
• YTD: 5.63%
• 6M: 7.94%
• 1Y: 18.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDT

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: 5.22%
• YTD: 25.50%
• 6M: 28.63%
• 1Y: 55.05%
• 3Y*: 30.08%
• 5Y*: 12.55%
• 10Y*: 10.91%

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

DTAN vs. FDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DTAN Sparkline International Intangible Value ETF	5.63%	29.52%	-0.36%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	25.50%	52.21%	0.55%

Correlation

The correlation between DTAN and FDT is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 11, 2024	0.75

The correlation between DTAN and FDT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DTAN vs. FDT — Risk / Return Rank

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

DTAN

DTAN Risk / Return Rank: 32
DTAN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
DTAN Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
DTAN Omega Ratio Rank: 32
DTAN Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
DTAN Martin Ratio Rank: 32

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 84
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
FDT Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

DTAN vs. FDT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sparkline International Intangible Value ETF (DTAN) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). 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.

	DTAN	FDT	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	3.00	-1.81
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	3.85	-2.13
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.54	-0.32
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	4.13	-2.76
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.77	16.12	-11.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DTAN vs. FDT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DTAN Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is lower than the FDT Sharpe Ratio of 3.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DTAN and FDT, 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

	DTAN	FDT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.19	3.00	-1.81
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.69	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.12	0.40	+0.73

Drawdowns

DTAN vs. FDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DTAN drawdown since its inception was -17.58%, smaller than the maximum FDT drawdown of -46.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DTAN and FDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DTAN	FDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.58%	-46.10%	+28.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.32%	-13.41%	+0.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.29%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.18%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.73%	-1.59%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.93%	-10.78%	+7.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.82%	3.43%	+0.39%

Volatility

DTAN vs. FDT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Sparkline International Intangible Value ETF (DTAN) is 4.12%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) has a volatility of 7.23%. This indicates that DTAN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DTAN	FDT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	7.23%	-3.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.73%	15.91%	-4.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.32%	18.42%	-3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.59%	18.23%	-0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.59%	18.52%	-0.93%

DTAN vs. FDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DTAN has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than FDT's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

DTAN vs. FDT - Dividend Comparison

DTAN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.66%, less than FDT's 2.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DTAN Sparkline International Intangible Value ETF	1.66%	1.58%	0.67%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	2.84%	3.27%	3.89%	4.36%	2.29%	3.80%	2.42%	2.78%	2.13%	1.57%	1.76%	1.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DTAN and FDT in my portfolio?

DTAN and FDT have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DTAN or FDT?

FDT has higher volatility (7.23%) compared to DTAN (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DTAN dropped -17.58% vs FDT's -46.10%.

Which ETF is better, DTAN or FDT?

On 1-year performance, FDT leads with 55.05% vs 18.17% for DTAN. On fees, DTAN is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, DTAN has been the lower-risk option at 4.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DTAN or FDT?

Over the 1-year period, FDT has performed better with a 55.05% return vs 18.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DTAN or FDT?

DTAN is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DTAN or FDT?

FDT has the higher dividend yield at 2.84%, compared with 1.66% for DTAN.

What is the main difference between DTAN and FDT?

They also come from different issuers: Sparkline Capital and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for DTAN and 0.80% for FDT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.00 vs 1.19), 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.