FDD vs. DISV

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FDD (First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund) and DISV (Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDD is a Europe Equities fund tracking the STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30, while DISV is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. FDD is passively managed, while DISV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FDD returned 26.21%/yr vs 23.86%/yr for DISV. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDD charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for DISV.

Performance

FDD vs. DISV - 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 Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV). 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 DISV's 11.15% return.

FDD

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: 1.80%
• YTD: 13.65%
• 6M: 17.76%
• 1Y: 33.97%
• 3Y*: 26.21%
• 5Y*: 11.32%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

DISV

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: -0.33%
• YTD: 11.15%
• 6M: 13.74%
• 1Y: 33.75%
• 3Y*: 23.86%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FDD vs. DISV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	13.65%	62.50%	0.28%	14.16%	-8.94%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	11.15%	47.42%	5.87%	19.52%	-9.36%

Correlation

The correlation between FDD and DISV is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.86

The correlation between FDD and DISV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDD vs. DISV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDD	DISV
Financial Services	52.2%	18.6%
Industrials	12.5%	18.1%
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	15.3%
Energy	10.8%	9.2%
Utilities	6.0%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	4.3%
Real Estate	3.5%	3.2%
Basic Materials	2.9%	18.3%
Communication Services	2.1%	3.4%
Healthcare	-	3.0%
Technology	-	4.1%

Return for Risk

FDD vs. DISV — 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

DISV

DISV Risk / Return Rank: 70
DISV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
DISV Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
DISV Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DISV Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
DISV Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. DISV - 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 Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV). 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	DISV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	2.18	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.98	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.38	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.58	2.56	+1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.88	9.52	+2.35

FDD vs. DISV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDD Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the DISV Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDD and DISV, 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. DISV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDD drawdown since its inception was -74.77%, which is greater than DISV's maximum drawdown of -26.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDD and DISV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDD	DISV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.77%	-26.77%	-48.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-12.69%	+3.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.06%	-14.15%	+1.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.11%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.43%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.40%	-2.21%	+1.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.41%	-4.89%	-30.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	3.41%	-0.58%

Volatility

FDD vs. DISV - Volatility Comparison

First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) has a higher volatility of 5.91% compared to Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) at 5.06%. This indicates that FDD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DISV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDD	DISV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.91%	5.06%	+0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.98%	12.26%	+0.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.93%	14.92%	+1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.48%	17.40%	+1.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.16%	17.40%	+2.76%

FDD vs. DISV - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDD has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than DISV's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDD vs. DISV - Dividend Comparison

FDD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.48%, more than DISV's 2.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	2.38%	2.69%	2.77%	2.73%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 DISV in my portfolio?

FDD and DISV have a correlation of 0.82, 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 DISV?

FDD has higher volatility (5.91%) compared to DISV (5.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDD dropped -74.77% vs DISV's -26.77%.

Which ETF is better, FDD or DISV?

On 3-year performance, FDD leads with 26.21% vs 23.86% for DISV. On fees, DISV is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, DISV has been the lower-risk option at 5.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDD or DISV?

Over the 3-year period, FDD has performed better with a 26.21% return vs 23.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDD or DISV?

DISV is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for FDD.

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

FDD has the higher dividend yield at 3.48%, compared with 2.38% for DISV.

What is the main difference between FDD and DISV?

FDD is categorized as Europe Equities, while DISV is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for FDD and 0.42% for DISV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 2.11), 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.