FGD vs. COPY

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FGD (First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund) and COPY (Tweedy, Browne Insider + Value ETF) are both Global Equities funds. FGD is passively managed, while COPY is actively managed. Over the past year, FGD returned 27.07% vs 30.93% for COPY. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FGD charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for COPY.

Performance

FGD vs. COPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) and Tweedy, Browne Insider + Value ETF (COPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FGD achieves a 13.46% return, which is significantly lower than COPY's 18.84% return.

FGD

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 1.08%
• 6M: 11.04%
• YTD: 13.46%
• 1Y: 27.07%
• 3Y*: 21.52%
• 5Y*: 12.11%
• 10Y*: 9.90%

COPY

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 2.00%
• 6M: 13.89%
• YTD: 18.84%
• 1Y: 30.93%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FGD vs. COPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	13.46%	44.42%	-0.40%
COPY Tweedy, Browne Insider + Value ETF	18.84%	29.52%	0.05%

Correlation

The correlation between FGD and COPY is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2024	0.84

The correlation between FGD and COPY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FGD vs. COPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGD

FGD Risk / Return Rank: 77
FGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
FGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FGD Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
FGD Martin Ratio Rank: 65

COPY

COPY Risk / Return Rank: 86
COPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
COPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
COPY Omega Ratio Rank: 87
COPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
COPY Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

FGD vs. COPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) and Tweedy, Browne Insider + Value ETF (COPY). 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.

	FGD	COPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	2.37	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.95	3.45	-0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.42	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	3.43	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.18	13.14	-3.96

FGD vs. COPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGD Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the COPY Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGD and COPY, 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

FGD vs. COPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGD drawdown since its inception was -68.05%, which is greater than COPY's maximum drawdown of -14.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGD and COPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGD	COPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.05%	-14.05%	-54.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.82%	-9.07%	-0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.50%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.68%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.84%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.51%	-1.52%	-10.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	2.36%	+0.60%

Volatility

FGD vs. COPY - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) has a higher volatility of 3.14% compared to Tweedy, Browne Insider + Value ETF (COPY) at 2.50%. This indicates that FGD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than COPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FGD	COPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.14%	2.50%	+0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.24%	10.24%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.72%	13.12%	-0.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.91%	16.98%	-2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.91%	16.98%	+0.93%

FGD vs. COPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGD has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than COPY's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGD vs. COPY - Dividend Comparison

FGD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.15%, more than COPY's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
COPY Tweedy, Browne Insider + Value ETF	0.80%	0.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	5.15%	5.62%	5.87%	6.44%	5.74%	5.35%	6.17%	5.19%	5.88%	4.01%	4.36%	5.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGD and COPY in my portfolio?

FGD and COPY have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FGD or COPY?

FGD has higher volatility (3.14%) compared to COPY (2.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGD dropped -68.05% vs COPY's -14.05%.

Which ETF is better, FGD or COPY?

On 1-year performance, COPY leads with 30.93% vs 27.07% for FGD. On fees, FGD is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, COPY has been the lower-risk option at 2.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGD or COPY?

Over the 1-year period, COPY has performed better with a 30.93% return vs 27.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGD or COPY?

FGD is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for COPY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FGD or COPY?

FGD has the higher dividend yield at 5.15%, compared with 0.80% for COPY.

What is the main difference between FGD and COPY?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Tweedy, Browne. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for FGD and 0.80% for COPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

COPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 2.14), 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.