FDD vs. FLAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FDD (First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund) and FLAX (Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDD is a Europe Equities fund tracking the STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30, while FLAX is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the FTSE Asia ex Japan RIC Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FDD returned 11.90%/yr vs 8.79%/yr for FLAX. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FDD charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for FLAX.

Performance

FDD vs. FLAX - 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 Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDD achieves a 12.28% return, which is significantly lower than FLAX's 31.78% return.

FDD

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: -0.43%
• YTD: 12.28%
• 6M: 12.99%
• 1Y: 33.73%
• 3Y*: 27.03%
• 5Y*: 11.90%
• 10Y*: 10.97%

FLAX

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 8.52%
• YTD: 31.78%
• 6M: 33.66%
• 1Y: 58.82%
• 3Y*: 26.34%
• 5Y*: 8.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

FDD vs. FLAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	12.28%	62.50%	0.28%	14.16%	-16.14%	16.03%	-3.80%	23.79%	-10.16%
FLAX Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF	31.78%	33.72%	9.82%	6.27%	-18.88%	-3.54%	24.17%	17.19%	-14.34%

Correlation

The correlation between FDD and FLAX is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2018	0.58

The correlation between FDD and FLAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDD vs. FLAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDD	FLAX
Financial Services	52.0%	15.6%
Industrials	13.3%	8.2%
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	9.1%
Energy	10.4%	2.5%
Utilities	6.0%	1.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	2.4%
Real Estate	3.3%	1.8%
Basic Materials	3.1%	3.6%
Communication Services	2.1%	5.6%
Healthcare	-	2.9%
Technology	-	46.4%

Return for Risk

FDD vs. FLAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDD

FDD Risk / Return Rank: 67
FDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
FDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
FDD Omega Ratio Rank: 61
FDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FDD Martin Ratio Rank: 67

FLAX

FLAX Risk / Return Rank: 86
FLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
FLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
FLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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. FLAX - 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 Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX). 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	FLAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	2.78	-0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.92	3.54	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.52	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.61	4.55	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.95	16.96	-5.01

FDD vs. FLAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDD Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the FLAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDD and FLAX, 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. FLAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDD drawdown since its inception was -74.77%, which is greater than FLAX's maximum drawdown of -42.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDD and FLAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDD	FLAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.77%	-42.51%	-32.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-12.99%	+3.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.06%	-19.29%	+6.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.84%	-38.64%	+3.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.43%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.61%	0.00%	-1.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.37%	-15.34%	-20.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	3.48%	-0.65%

Volatility

FDD vs. FLAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) is 5.22%, while Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF (FLAX) has a volatility of 10.93%. This indicates that FDD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FLAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDD	FLAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.22%	10.93%	-5.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.00%	19.05%	-6.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.98%	21.27%	-5.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.46%	19.49%	-1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.12%	20.17%	-0.05%

FDD vs. FLAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDD has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than FLAX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDD vs. FLAX - Dividend Comparison

FDD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.52%, more than FLAX's 1.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	3.52%	3.99%	7.65%	6.85%	6.07%	3.44%	4.01%	4.69%	5.05%	2.78%	4.88%	4.35%
FLAX Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF	1.38%	2.37%	3.12%	2.20%	2.86%	2.38%	1.57%	2.23%	2.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDD and FLAX in my portfolio?

FDD and FLAX have a correlation of 0.56, 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 FLAX?

FLAX has higher volatility (10.93%) compared to FDD (5.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDD dropped -74.77% vs FLAX's -42.51%.

Which ETF is better, FDD or FLAX?

On 5-year performance, FDD leads with 11.90% vs 8.79% for FLAX. On fees, FLAX is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, FDD has been the lower-risk option at 5.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDD or FLAX?

Over the 5-year period, FDD has performed better with a 11.90% return vs 8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDD or FLAX?

FLAX is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for FDD.

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

FDD has the higher dividend yield at 3.52%, compared with 1.38% for FLAX.

What is the main difference between FDD and FLAX?

FDD is categorized as Europe Equities, while FLAX is Asia Pacific Equities. FDD tracks STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30, while FLAX tracks FTSE Asia ex Japan RIC Capped Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for FDD and 0.19% for FLAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.78 vs 2.12), 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.