FDTS vs. ASCI

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) and ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. FDTS is passively managed, while ASCI is actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FDTS charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ASCI.

Performance

FDTS vs. ASCI - 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 abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDTS achieves a 12.95% return, which is significantly higher than ASCI's 3.88% return.

FDTS

• 1D: -1.49%
• 1M: -4.91%
• 6M: 7.81%
• YTD: 12.95%
• 1Y: 30.55%
• 3Y*: 21.54%
• 5Y*: 10.04%
• 10Y*: 10.01%

ASCI

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -3.20%
• 6M: 0.53%
• YTD: 3.88%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FDTS vs. ASCI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	12.95%	6.59%
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	3.88%	1.37%

Correlation

The correlation between FDTS and ASCI is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2025	0.78

Return for Risk

FDTS vs. ASCI — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDTS

FDTS Risk / Return Rank: 60
FDTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 53

ASCI

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. ASCI - 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 abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI). 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	ASCI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.08	—	—

Drawdowns

FDTS vs. ASCI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDTS drawdown since its inception was -51.26%, which is greater than ASCI's maximum drawdown of -11.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDTS and ASCI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDTS	ASCI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.26%	-11.22%	-40.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.61%	—	—
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	-9.45%	-6.03%	-3.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.63%	-2.63%	-8.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.33%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FDTS	ASCI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.58%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.39%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.74%	19.16%	-0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.49%	19.16%	+10.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.83%	19.16%	+5.67%

FDTS vs. ASCI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDTS has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than ASCI's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDTS vs. ASCI - Dividend Comparison

FDTS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.89%, more than ASCI's 0.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.77%	0.80%	0.00%	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	2.89%	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 ASCI in my portfolio?

FDTS and ASCI have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FDTS or ASCI?

On fees, ASCI is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDTS or ASCI?

ASCI is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

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

FDTS has the higher dividend yield at 2.89%, compared with 0.77% for ASCI.

What is the main difference between FDTS and ASCI?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FDTS and 0.70% for ASCI.