FDD vs. DFE

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

FDD (First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund) and DFE (WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund) are both Europe Equities funds - FDD tracks the STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30 while DFE tracks the WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FDD returned 11.01%/yr vs 7.77%/yr for DFE. Their 0.75 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. Both charge a 0.58% expense ratio.

Performance

FDD vs. DFE - 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 WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDD achieves a 18.92% return, which is significantly higher than DFE's 7.42% return. Over the past 10 years, FDD has outperformed DFE with an annualized return of 11.01%, while DFE has yielded a comparatively lower 7.77% annualized return.

FDD

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 7.25%
• 6M: 13.35%
• YTD: 18.92%
• 1Y: 39.43%
• 3Y*: 27.25%
• 5Y*: 13.14%
• 10Y*: 11.01%
• ALL TIME*: 2.89%

DFE

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 3.01%
• 6M: 3.22%
• YTD: 7.42%
• 1Y: 14.13%
• 3Y*: 14.41%
• 5Y*: 4.54%
• 10Y*: 7.77%
• ALL TIME*: 6.45%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DFE WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund	$212.25K	$423.32K	$471.65K
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	$2.43M	$2.30M	$2.53M

FDD vs. DFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	18.92%	62.50%	0.28%	14.16%	-16.14%	16.03%	-3.80%	23.79%	-8.98%	19.07%
DFE WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund	7.42%	32.85%	-0.61%	14.94%	-22.15%	18.44%	2.15%	27.15%	-21.23%	32.71%

Correlation

The correlation between FDD and DFE is 0.84, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2007	0.75

The correlation between FDD and DFE shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (all time) to 0.88 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FDD vs. DFE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDD	DFE
Financial Services	58.2%	10.0%
Industrials	11.4%	25.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.2%	9.4%
Energy	9.1%	6.8%
Utilities	6.0%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	3.5%
Real Estate	3.3%	6.5%
Basic Materials	2.8%	7.7%
Communication Services	1.9%	5.8%
Healthcare	-	3.4%
Technology	-	6.8%

Return for Risk

FDD vs. DFE — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FDD

FDD Risk / Return Rank: 91
FDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
FDD Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FDD Martin Ratio Rank: 89

DFE

DFE Risk / Return Rank: 36
DFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
DFE Omega Ratio Rank: 35
DFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
DFE Martin Ratio Rank: 38

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FDD vs. DFE - 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 WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE). 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	DFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	0.92	+1.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.38	1.38	+2.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.17	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.16	1.21	+2.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.77	3.88	+9.89

FDD vs. DFE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDD Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is higher than the DFE Sharpe Ratio of 0.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDD and DFE, 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. DFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDD drawdown since its inception was -74.77%, which is greater than DFE's maximum drawdown of -69.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDD and DFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDD	DFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.77%	-69.38%	-5.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-11.41%	+2.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.90%	-13.86%	+0.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.84%	-40.34%	+5.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.43%	-49.66%	+8.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.05%	+1.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.18%	-17.62%	-17.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	3.56%	-0.73%

Volatility

FDD vs. DFE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) is 3.74%, while WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE) has a volatility of 4.06%. This indicates that FDD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDD	DFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.74%	4.06%	-0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.14%	12.82%	+0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.79%	15.15%	+0.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.44%	19.04%	-0.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.77%	19.20%	+0.57%

FDD vs. DFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FDD and DFE have an expense ratio of 0.58%.

Dividends

FDD vs. DFE - Dividend Comparison

FDD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.01%, more than DFE's 3.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFE WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund	3.95%	4.38%	4.93%	4.97%	5.84%	2.56%	2.43%	3.39%	4.97%	2.53%	4.05%	2.78%
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	5.01%	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 DFE in my portfolio?

FDD and DFE have a correlation of 0.84, 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 DFE?

DFE has higher volatility (4.06%) compared to FDD (3.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDD dropped -74.77% vs DFE's -69.38%.

Which ETF is better, FDD or DFE?

On 10-year performance, FDD leads with 11.01% vs 7.77% for DFE. Both ETFs have the same 0.58% expense ratio. On volatility, FDD has been the lower-risk option at 3.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDD or DFE?

Over the 10-year period, FDD has performed better with a 11.01% return vs 7.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDD or DFE?

FDD and DFE have the same expense ratio: 0.58% per year.

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

FDD has the higher dividend yield at 5.01%, compared with 3.95% for DFE.

What is the main difference between FDD and DFE?

FDD tracks STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30, while DFE tracks WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and WisdomTree.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 0.92), 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.