FDT vs. GSIB

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) and GSIB (Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDT is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index, while GSIB is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Themes. FDT is passively managed, while GSIB is actively managed. Over the past year, FDT returned 50.01% vs 47.83% for GSIB. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FDT charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for GSIB.

Performance

FDT vs. GSIB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) and Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF (GSIB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDT achieves a 23.23% return, which is significantly higher than GSIB's 13.98% return.

FDT

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -1.96%
• YTD: 23.23%
• 6M: 24.33%
• 1Y: 50.01%
• 3Y*: 27.84%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 11.17%

GSIB

• 1D: 1.92%
• 1M: 6.99%
• YTD: 13.98%
• 6M: 16.88%
• 1Y: 47.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FDT vs. GSIB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	23.23%	52.21%	6.97%	2.49%
GSIB Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF	13.98%	61.67%	32.86%	1.75%

Correlation

The correlation between FDT and GSIB is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2023	0.67

The correlation between FDT and GSIB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDT vs. GSIB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDT	GSIB
Industrials	34.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	-
Financial Services	10.2%	100.0%
Basic Materials	9.6%	-
Energy	9.2%	-
Technology	8.1%	-
Real Estate	5.3%	-
Utilities	5.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	-
Communication Services	2.7%	-
Healthcare	1.4%	-

Return for Risk

FDT vs. GSIB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 84
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
FDT Martin Ratio Rank: 82

GSIB

GSIB Risk / Return Rank: 81
GSIB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
GSIB Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
GSIB Omega Ratio Rank: 83
GSIB Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
GSIB 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.

FDT vs. GSIB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) and Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF (GSIB). 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.

	FDT	GSIB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	2.59	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.27	3.58	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.43	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	3.28	+0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.01	11.54	+2.47

FDT vs. GSIB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDT Sharpe Ratio is 2.54, which is comparable to the GSIB Sharpe Ratio of 2.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDT and GSIB, 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

FDT vs. GSIB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDT drawdown since its inception was -46.10%, which is greater than GSIB's maximum drawdown of -17.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDT and GSIB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDT	GSIB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.10%	-17.71%	-28.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.41%	-13.90%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.29%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.80%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.37%	0.00%	-3.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.76%	-2.05%	-8.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.54%	3.94%	-0.40%

Volatility

FDT vs. GSIB - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) has a higher volatility of 8.93% compared to Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF (GSIB) at 5.59%. This indicates that FDT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GSIB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDT	GSIB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.93%	5.59%	+3.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.27%	14.41%	+2.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.59%	17.63%	+1.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.46%	18.51%	-0.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.62%	18.51%	+0.11%

FDT vs. GSIB - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDT has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than GSIB's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDT vs. GSIB - Dividend Comparison

FDT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.89%, more than GSIB's 1.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	2.89%	3.27%	3.89%	4.36%	2.29%	3.80%	2.42%	2.78%	2.13%	1.57%	1.76%	1.83%
GSIB Themes Global Systemically Important Banks ETF	1.67%	1.91%	1.67%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDT and GSIB in my portfolio?

FDT and GSIB have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDT or GSIB?

FDT has higher volatility (8.93%) compared to GSIB (5.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDT dropped -46.10% vs GSIB's -17.71%.

Which ETF is better, FDT or GSIB?

On 1-year performance, FDT leads with 50.01% vs 47.83% for GSIB. On fees, GSIB is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, GSIB has been the lower-risk option at 5.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDT or GSIB?

Over the 1-year period, FDT has performed better with a 50.01% return vs 47.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDT or GSIB?

GSIB is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FDT or GSIB?

FDT has the higher dividend yield at 2.89%, compared with 1.67% for GSIB.

What is the main difference between FDT and GSIB?

FDT is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while GSIB is Financials Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Themes. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FDT and 0.35% for GSIB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GSIB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.59 vs 2.54), 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.