FDD vs. DAX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FDD (First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund) and DAX (Global X DAX Germany ETF) are both Europe Equities funds - FDD tracks the STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30 while DAX tracks the DAX Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FDD returned 10.93%/yr vs 9.57%/yr for DAX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FDD charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for DAX.

Performance

FDD vs. DAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) and Global X DAX Germany ETF (DAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDD achieves a 13.65% return, which is significantly higher than DAX's -1.45% return. Over the past 10 years, FDD has outperformed DAX with an annualized return of 10.93%, while DAX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.57% annualized return.

FDD

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: 1.95%
• YTD: 13.65%
• 6M: 17.76%
• 1Y: 33.45%
• 3Y*: 26.21%
• 5Y*: 11.32%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

DAX

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: -1.45%
• 6M: -0.46%
• 1Y: 2.74%
• 3Y*: 16.82%
• 5Y*: 7.62%
• 10Y*: 9.57%

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

FDD vs. DAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	13.65%	62.50%	0.28%	14.16%	-16.14%	16.03%	-3.80%	23.79%	-8.98%	19.07%
DAX Global X DAX Germany ETF	-1.45%	39.00%	10.55%	23.62%	-18.47%	7.73%	12.27%	22.11%	-22.92%	28.23%

Correlation

The correlation between FDD and DAX is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 23, 2014	0.79

The correlation between FDD and DAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDD vs. DAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDD	DAX
Financial Services	52.2%	19.8%
Industrials	12.5%	33.8%
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	7.2%
Energy	10.8%	-
Utilities	6.0%	4.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	0.9%
Real Estate	3.5%	1.2%
Basic Materials	2.9%	5.0%
Communication Services	2.1%	5.9%
Healthcare	-	5.4%
Technology	-	15.2%

Return for Risk

FDD vs. DAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDD

FDD Risk / Return Rank: 75
FDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FDD Omega Ratio Rank: 71
FDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
FDD Martin Ratio Rank: 73

DAX

DAX Risk / Return Rank: 12
DAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
DAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
DAX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
DAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
DAX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

FDD vs. DAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) and Global X DAX Germany ETF (DAX). 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.

	FDD	DAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	0.15	+1.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	0.34	+2.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.04	+0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.58	0.19	+3.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.88	0.58	+11.30

FDD vs. DAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDD Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is higher than the DAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDD and DAX, 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

FDD vs. DAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDD drawdown since its inception was -74.77%, which is greater than DAX's maximum drawdown of -45.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDD and DAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDD	DAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.77%	-45.58%	-29.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-14.82%	+5.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.06%	-16.03%	+2.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.11%	-39.72%	+4.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.43%	-45.58%	+4.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.40%	-5.39%	+4.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.41%	-10.49%	-24.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	4.77%	-1.94%

Volatility

FDD vs. DAX - Volatility Comparison

First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) and Global X DAX Germany ETF (DAX) have volatilities of 5.91% and 5.86%, 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

	FDD	DAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.91%	5.86%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.98%	14.79%	-1.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.93%	18.01%	-2.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.48%	20.44%	-1.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.16%	21.25%	-1.09%

FDD vs. DAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDD has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than DAX's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDD vs. DAX - Dividend Comparison

FDD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.48%, more than DAX's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DAX Global X DAX Germany ETF	1.50%	1.47%	2.24%	2.48%	2.80%	2.65%	2.25%	2.47%	3.33%	1.73%	1.78%	1.41%
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	3.48%	3.99%	7.65%	6.85%	6.07%	3.44%	4.01%	4.69%	5.05%	2.78%	4.88%	4.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDD and DAX in my portfolio?

FDD and DAX have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDD or DAX?

FDD has higher volatility (5.91%) compared to DAX (5.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDD dropped -74.77% vs DAX's -45.58%.

Which ETF is better, FDD or DAX?

On 10-year performance, FDD leads with 10.93% vs 9.57% for DAX. On fees, DAX is cheaper at 0.20% 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, FDD or DAX?

Over the 10-year period, FDD has performed better with a 10.93% return vs 9.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDD or DAX?

DAX is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for FDD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FDD or DAX?

FDD has the higher dividend yield at 3.48%, compared with 1.50% for DAX.

What is the main difference between FDD and DAX?

FDD tracks STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30, while DAX tracks DAX Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for FDD and 0.20% for DAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 0.15), 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.