FGD vs. DIV

Last updated Aug 3, 2026

FGD (First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund) and DIV (Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FGD is a Global Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index, while DIV is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Indxx SuperDividend® U.S. Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FGD returned 10.22%/yr vs 4.23%/yr for DIV. Their 0.68 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. FGD charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for DIV.

Performance

FGD vs. DIV - 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 Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FGD achieves a 16.13% return, which is significantly lower than DIV's 17.66% return. Over the past 10 years, FGD has outperformed DIV with an annualized return of 10.22%, while DIV has yielded a comparatively lower 4.23% annualized return.

FGD

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 6.03%
• 6M: 9.85%
• YTD: 16.13%
• 1Y: 32.70%
• 3Y*: 22.63%
• 5Y*: 12.38%
• 10Y*: 10.22%
• ALL TIME*: 6.18%

DIV

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: 2.37%
• 6M: 9.80%
• YTD: 17.66%
• 1Y: 21.05%
• 3Y*: 11.65%
• 5Y*: 6.59%
• 10Y*: 4.23%
• ALL TIME*: 4.94%

*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)
DIV Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF	$4.26M	$4.15M	$4.38M
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	$7.82M	$6.03M	$6.77M

FGD vs. DIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	16.13%	44.42%	5.71%	8.20%	-7.25%	20.83%	-5.23%	20.64%	-12.49%	17.87%
DIV Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF	17.66%	3.10%	11.27%	-1.73%	-3.92%	30.60%	-22.85%	14.50%	-6.60%	9.90%

Correlation

The correlation between FGD and DIV is 0.51, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 12, 2013	0.68

The correlation between FGD and DIV shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (1 year) to 0.68 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FGD vs. DIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FGD	DIV
Financial Services	10.4%	4.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	10.8%
Industrials	4.7%	12.1%
Consumer Cyclical	3.8%	4.0%
Communication Services	1.9%	6.1%
Basic Materials	0.9%	6.2%
Energy	0.9%	20.5%
Real Estate	0.9%	21.3%
Technology	0.9%	-
Utilities	0.9%	11.6%
Healthcare	-	3.3%

Return for Risk

FGD vs. DIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGD

FGD Risk / Return Rank: 89
FGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
FGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FGD Omega Ratio Rank: 93
FGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
FGD Martin Ratio Rank: 82

DIV

DIV Risk / Return Rank: 84
DIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
DIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
DIV Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
DIV Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

FGD vs. DIV - 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 Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV). 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	DIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.56	1.92	+0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.49	2.79	+0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.33	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.25	3.93	-0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.99	11.48	-0.50

FGD vs. DIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGD Sharpe Ratio is 2.56, which is higher than the DIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGD and DIV, 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. DIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGD drawdown since its inception was -68.05%, which is greater than DIV's maximum drawdown of -52.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGD and DIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGD	DIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.05%	-52.74%	-15.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.82%	-5.13%	-4.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.50%	-12.33%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.68%	-21.14%	-7.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.84%	-52.74%	+7.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-2.04%	+1.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.48%	-6.96%	-5.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	1.76%	+1.14%

Volatility

FGD vs. DIV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) is 2.34%, while Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV) has a volatility of 3.25%. This indicates that FGD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FGD	DIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.34%	3.25%	-0.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.00%	7.73%	+2.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.49%	10.53%	+1.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.85%	13.69%	+1.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.91%	18.00%	-0.09%

FGD vs. DIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGD has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than DIV's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGD vs. DIV - Dividend Comparison

FGD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.03%, less than DIV's 6.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIV Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF	6.54%	7.30%	5.74%	7.13%	6.62%	5.24%	8.01%	7.65%	7.08%	5.92%	6.78%	8.44%
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	5.03%	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 DIV in my portfolio?

FGD and DIV have a correlation of 0.51, 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 DIV?

DIV has higher volatility (3.25%) compared to FGD (2.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGD dropped -68.05% vs DIV's -52.74%.

Which ETF is better, FGD or DIV?

On 10-year performance, FGD leads with 10.22% vs 4.23% for DIV. On fees, DIV is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FGD has been the lower-risk option at 2.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGD or DIV?

Over the 10-year period, FGD has performed better with a 10.22% return vs 4.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGD or DIV?

DIV is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for FGD.

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

DIV has the higher dividend yield at 6.54%, compared with 5.03% for FGD.

What is the main difference between FGD and DIV?

FGD is categorized as Global Equities, while DIV is Mid Cap Value Equities. FGD tracks Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index, while DIV tracks Indxx SuperDividend® U.S. Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for FGD and 0.45% for DIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 1.92), 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.