FDTS vs. FDL

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) 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 FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FDTS returned 9.92%/yr vs 11.08%/yr for FDL. Their 0.33 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. FDTS charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

FDTS vs. FDL - 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 First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDTS achieves a 13.53% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 18.62% return. Over the past 10 years, FDTS has underperformed FDL with an annualized return of 9.92%, while FDL has yielded a comparatively higher 11.08% annualized return.

FDTS

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: 0.07%
• 6M: 2.90%
• YTD: 13.53%
• 1Y: 32.03%
• 3Y*: 21.86%
• 5Y*: 10.14%
• 10Y*: 9.92%
• ALL TIME*: 8.19%

FDL

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 3.67%
• 6M: 9.83%
• YTD: 18.62%
• 1Y: 28.15%
• 3Y*: 19.02%
• 5Y*: 14.10%
• 10Y*: 11.08%
• ALL TIME*: 8.96%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	$51.38M	$49.50M	$43.21M
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	$92.63K	$56.02K	$75.36K

FDTS vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	13.53%	51.17%	2.44%	10.96%	-15.34%	11.79%	12.90%	18.71%	-23.71%	36.01%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	18.62%	14.79%	17.98%	2.94%	6.66%	26.10%	-4.30%	24.41%	-5.99%	12.02%

Correlation

The correlation between FDTS and FDL is 0.07, meaning there was essentially no consistent relationship between their historical price movements. Each responded to its own set of market drivers.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.07
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.39
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2012	0.33

Over the past year, the correlation between FDTS and FDL has dropped to 0.07 - well below their long-term average of 0.33, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FDTS vs. FDL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDTS	FDL
Industrials	22.1%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	19.2%	4.4%
Technology	14.5%	4.3%
Financial Services	12.3%	13.7%
Basic Materials	10.5%	0.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	24.3%
Real Estate	4.5%	-
Energy	3.8%	11.1%
Communication Services	3.0%	11.2%
Healthcare	2.7%	11.7%
Utilities	2.6%	15.4%

Return for Risk

FDTS vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FDTS

FDTS Risk / Return Rank: 65
FDTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 53

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 92
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 89
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 91

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FDTS vs. FDL - 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 First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). 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	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	2.38	-0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	3.58	-1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.42	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	6.62	-4.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.49	15.62	-9.13

FDTS vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDTS Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is lower than the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDTS and FDL, 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. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	FDTS	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.26%	-65.93%	+14.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.11%	-4.27%	-8.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.19%	-12.24%	-0.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.11%	-16.46%	-16.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.26%	-41.40%	-9.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.98%	-1.58%	-7.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.63%	-9.59%	-1.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.95%	1.81%	+3.14%

Volatility

FDTS vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) has a higher volatility of 6.77% compared to First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) at 4.65%. This indicates that FDTS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDTS	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.77%	4.65%	+2.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.85%	8.75%	+8.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.41%	11.89%	+7.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.55%	14.44%	+15.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.89%	17.16%	+7.73%

FDTS vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDTS has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDTS vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

FDTS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.87%, less than FDL's 3.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.58%	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	2.87%	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 FDL in my portfolio?

FDTS and FDL have a correlation of 0.07, 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 FDL?

FDTS has higher volatility (6.77%) compared to FDL (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDTS dropped -51.26% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, FDTS or FDL?

On 10-year performance, FDL leads with 11.08% vs 9.92% for FDTS. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, FDL has been the lower-risk option at 4.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDTS or FDL?

Over the 10-year period, FDL has performed better with a 11.08% return vs 9.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDTS or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

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

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.58%, compared with 2.87% for FDTS.

What is the main difference between FDTS and FDL?

FDTS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. FDTS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FDTS and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 1.66), 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.