FDTS vs. ACLO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) and ACLO (TCW AAA CLO ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDTS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index, while ACLO is a CLO fund actively managed by TCW. FDTS is passively managed, while ACLO is actively managed. Over the past year, FDTS returned 42.46% vs 5.31% for ACLO. At a correlation of -0.06, they often move in opposite directions. FDTS charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for ACLO.

Performance

FDTS vs. ACLO - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDTS achieves a 16.84% return, which is significantly higher than ACLO's 2.41% return.

FDTS

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: -2.72%
• YTD: 16.84%
• 6M: 17.25%
• 1Y: 42.46%
• 3Y*: 25.44%
• 5Y*: 11.04%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

ACLO

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 2.41%
• 6M: 2.53%
• 1Y: 5.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FDTS vs. ACLO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	16.84%	51.17%	0.59%
ACLO TCW AAA CLO ETF	2.41%	5.32%	0.81%

Correlation

The correlation between FDTS and ACLO is -0.11, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2024	-0.06

Return for Risk

FDTS vs. ACLO — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDTS

FDTS Risk / Return Rank: 71
FDTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 73
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 64

ACLO

ACLO Risk / Return Rank: 99
ACLO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
ACLO Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
ACLO Omega Ratio Rank: 99
ACLO Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
ACLO Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

FDTS vs. ACLO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) and TCW AAA CLO ETF (ACLO). 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.

	FDTS	ACLO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	7.32	-4.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	15.16	-12.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	3.44	-2.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.38	19.90	-16.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.41	165.46	-154.05

FDTS vs. ACLO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDTS Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is lower than the ACLO Sharpe Ratio of 7.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDTS and ACLO, 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

FDTS vs. ACLO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDTS drawdown since its inception was -51.26%, which is greater than ACLO's maximum drawdown of -1.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDTS and ACLO.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDTS	ACLO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.26%	-1.01%	-50.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.61%	-0.27%	-12.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.19%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.11%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.26%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.32%	0.00%	-6.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.64%	-0.04%	-10.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.73%	0.03%	+3.70%

Volatility

FDTS vs. ACLO - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) has a higher volatility of 8.39% compared to TCW AAA CLO ETF (ACLO) at 0.19%. This indicates that FDTS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ACLO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDTS	ACLO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.39%	0.19%	+8.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.63%	0.58%	+15.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.25%	0.73%	+17.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.43%	1.07%	+28.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.86%	1.07%	+23.79%

FDTS vs. ACLO - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDTS has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than ACLO's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDTS vs. ACLO - Dividend Comparison

FDTS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.57%, less than ACLO's 4.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACLO TCW AAA CLO ETF	4.90%	4.87%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	2.57%	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 FDTS and ACLO in my portfolio?

FDTS and ACLO have a correlation of -0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDTS or ACLO?

FDTS has higher volatility (8.39%) compared to ACLO (0.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDTS dropped -51.26% vs ACLO's -1.01%.

Which ETF is better, FDTS or ACLO?

On 1-year performance, FDTS leads with 42.46% vs 5.31% for ACLO. On fees, ACLO is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, ACLO has been the lower-risk option at 0.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDTS or ACLO?

Over the 1-year period, FDTS has performed better with a 42.46% return vs 5.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDTS or ACLO?

ACLO is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

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

ACLO has the higher dividend yield at 4.90%, compared with 2.57% for FDTS.

What is the main difference between FDTS and ACLO?

FDTS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while ACLO is CLO. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and TCW. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FDTS and 0.20% for ACLO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACLO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (7.32 vs 2.34), 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.