FDL vs. FDTS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) and FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index, while FDTS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FDL returned 11.24%/yr vs 10.50%/yr for FDTS. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FDL charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDTS.

Performance

FDL vs. FDTS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDL achieves a 13.33% return, which is significantly lower than FDTS's 16.64% return. Over the past 10 years, FDL has outperformed FDTS with an annualized return of 11.24%, while FDTS has yielded a comparatively lower 10.50% annualized return.

FDL

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 6M: 14.76%
• 1Y: 23.67%
• 3Y*: 18.97%
• 5Y*: 12.51%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

FDTS

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: -2.48%
• YTD: 16.64%
• 6M: 19.06%
• 1Y: 45.71%
• 3Y*: 25.36%
• 5Y*: 10.59%
• 10Y*: 10.50%

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

FDL vs. FDTS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	13.33%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	16.64%	51.17%	2.44%	10.96%	-15.34%	11.79%	12.90%	18.71%	-23.71%	36.01%

Correlation

The correlation between FDL and FDTS is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 17, 2012	0.34

The correlation between FDL and FDTS shifts across timeframes, from 0.23 (1 year) to 0.42 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FDL vs. FDTS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDL	FDTS
Energy	27.3%	4.3%
Healthcare	16.8%	3.0%
Financial Services	15.1%	11.7%
Consumer Defensive	14.7%	5.0%
Communication Services	10.6%	3.0%
Utilities	6.5%	2.7%
Industrials	3.8%	23.0%
Consumer Cyclical	3.8%	18.4%
Technology	1.1%	13.4%
Basic Materials	0.3%	11.2%
Real Estate	-	4.3%

Return for Risk

FDL vs. FDTS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 70
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 71

FDTS

FDTS Risk / Return Rank: 76
FDTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 77
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

FDL vs. FDTS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). 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.

	FDL	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	2.69	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.25	3.52	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.46	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.56	3.64	+1.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.56	13.32	+0.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FDL vs. FDTS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDL Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the FDTS Sharpe Ratio of 2.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDL and FDTS, 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

	FDL	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.11	2.69	-0.59
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88	0.36	+0.52
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66	0.42	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.37	+0.08

Drawdowns

FDL vs. FDTS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDL drawdown since its inception was -65.93%, which is greater than FDTS's maximum drawdown of -51.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDL and FDTS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDL	FDTS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.93%	-51.26%	-14.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.27%	-12.61%	+8.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.24%	-13.19%	+0.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.46%	-33.11%	+16.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.40%	-51.26%	+9.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.18%	-6.49%	+4.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.66%	-10.65%	+0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.75%	3.44%	-1.69%

Volatility

FDL vs. FDTS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) is 2.85%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) has a volatility of 6.54%. This indicates that FDL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDTS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDL	FDTS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.85%	6.54%	-3.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.87%	14.09%	-6.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.28%	17.05%	-5.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.31%	29.28%	-14.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.11%	24.85%	-7.74%

FDL vs. FDTS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDL has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FDTS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDL vs. FDTS - Dividend Comparison

FDL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.68%, more than FDTS's 2.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.68%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	2.58%	2.94%	3.94%	2.90%	3.71%	3.01%	2.02%	2.30%	1.96%	2.08%	1.78%	1.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDL and FDTS in my portfolio?

FDL and FDTS have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDL or FDTS?

FDTS has higher volatility (6.54%) compared to FDL (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDL dropped -65.93% vs FDTS's -51.26%.

Which ETF is better, FDL or FDTS?

On 10-year performance, FDL leads with 11.24% vs 10.50% for FDTS. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FDL has been the lower-risk option at 2.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDL or FDTS?

Over the 10-year period, FDL has performed better with a 11.24% return vs 10.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDL or FDTS?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FDL or FDTS?

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.68%, compared with 2.58% for FDTS.

What is the main difference between FDL and FDTS?

FDL is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while FDTS is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index, while FDTS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FDL and 0.80% for FDTS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDTS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.69 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.