FDTS vs. VYMI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) and VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield 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 VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FDTS returned 10.51%/yr vs 11.21%/yr for VYMI. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FDTS charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VYMI.

Performance

FDTS vs. VYMI - 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 Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDTS achieves a 12.44% return, which is significantly higher than VYMI's 11.38% return. Over the past 10 years, FDTS has underperformed VYMI with an annualized return of 10.51%, while VYMI has yielded a comparatively higher 11.21% annualized return.

FDTS

• 1D: -3.77%
• 1M: -6.39%
• YTD: 12.44%
• 6M: 12.40%
• 1Y: 36.22%
• 3Y*: 23.84%
• 5Y*: 9.93%
• 10Y*: 10.51%

VYMI

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: -0.28%
• YTD: 11.38%
• 6M: 11.17%
• 1Y: 30.40%
• 3Y*: 21.85%
• 5Y*: 12.40%
• 10Y*: 11.21%

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

FDTS vs. VYMI - 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	12.44%	51.17%	2.44%	10.96%	-15.34%	11.79%	12.90%	18.71%	-23.71%	36.01%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	11.38%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%

Correlation

The correlation between FDTS and VYMI is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2016	0.59

The correlation between FDTS and VYMI shifts across timeframes, from 0.59 (all time) to 0.80 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FDTS vs. VYMI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDTS	VYMI
Industrials	22.2%	6.2%
Consumer Cyclical	18.9%	6.4%
Technology	14.1%	5.2%
Financial Services	11.9%	40.7%
Basic Materials	11.3%	6.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	6.7%
Real Estate	4.3%	1.3%
Energy	4.0%	8.6%
Communication Services	3.2%	3.7%
Healthcare	2.8%	6.5%
Utilities	2.7%	5.0%

Return for Risk

FDTS vs. VYMI — 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: 63
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 70
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 74
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. VYMI - 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 Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). 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	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	2.30	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	3.14	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.42	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	3.01	-0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.60	11.81	-2.20

FDTS vs. VYMI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDTS Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the VYMI Sharpe Ratio of 2.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDTS and VYMI, 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. VYMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDTS drawdown since its inception was -51.26%, which is greater than VYMI's maximum drawdown of -40.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDTS and VYMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDTS	VYMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.26%	-40.00%	-11.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.61%	-10.14%	-2.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.19%	-12.84%	-0.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.11%	-24.05%	-9.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.26%	-40.00%	-11.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.86%	-1.97%	-7.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.64%	-6.28%	-4.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.78%	2.58%	+1.20%

Volatility

FDTS vs. VYMI - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) has a higher volatility of 9.16% compared to Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) at 4.14%. This indicates that FDTS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYMI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDTS	VYMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.16%	4.14%	+5.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.13%	11.20%	+4.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.63%	13.27%	+5.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.47%	14.87%	+14.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.85%	16.61%	+8.24%

FDTS vs. VYMI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDTS has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than VYMI's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDTS vs. VYMI - Dividend Comparison

FDTS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, less than VYMI's 3.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	2.67%	2.94%	3.94%	2.90%	3.71%	3.01%	2.02%	2.30%	1.96%	2.08%	1.78%	1.73%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.67%	3.68%	4.84%	4.58%	4.70%	4.30%	3.22%	4.20%	4.29%	3.21%	2.39%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDTS and VYMI in my portfolio?

FDTS and VYMI have a correlation of 0.79, 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 VYMI?

FDTS has higher volatility (9.16%) compared to VYMI (4.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDTS dropped -51.26% vs VYMI's -40.00%.

Which ETF is better, FDTS or VYMI?

On 10-year performance, VYMI leads with 11.21% vs 10.51% for FDTS. On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VYMI has been the lower-risk option at 4.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDTS or VYMI?

Over the 10-year period, VYMI has performed better with a 11.21% return vs 10.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDTS or VYMI?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

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

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.67%, compared with 2.67% for FDTS.

What is the main difference between FDTS and VYMI?

FDTS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while VYMI is Dividend. FDTS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index, while VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FDTS and 0.07% for VYMI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.95), 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.