FGD vs. FDT

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FGD (First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund) and FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FGD is a Global Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index, while FDT is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FGD returned 10.39%/yr vs 11.17%/yr for FDT. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FGD charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDT.

Performance

FGD vs. FDT - 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 First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FGD achieves a 12.92% return, which is significantly lower than FDT's 23.23% return. Over the past 10 years, FGD has underperformed FDT with an annualized return of 10.39%, while FDT has yielded a comparatively higher 11.17% annualized return.

FGD

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 1.25%
• YTD: 12.92%
• 6M: 13.97%
• 1Y: 32.81%
• 3Y*: 22.51%
• 5Y*: 10.83%
• 10Y*: 10.39%

FDT

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -1.96%
• YTD: 23.23%
• 6M: 24.33%
• 1Y: 50.01%
• 3Y*: 27.84%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 11.17%

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

FGD vs. FDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	12.92%	44.42%	5.71%	8.20%	-7.25%	20.83%	-5.23%	20.64%	-12.49%	17.87%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	23.23%	52.21%	6.97%	15.03%	-19.51%	11.43%	4.29%	16.82%	-19.98%	34.42%

Correlation

The correlation between FGD and FDT 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 19, 2011	0.84

The correlation between FGD and FDT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

FGD vs. FDT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FGD	FDT
Financial Services	33.6%	10.2%
Industrials	14.3%	34.0%
Energy	10.0%	9.2%
Communication Services	9.3%	2.7%
Consumer Defensive	9.2%	2.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.8%	11.5%
Basic Materials	6.4%	9.6%
Utilities	4.9%	5.2%
Real Estate	2.4%	5.3%
Technology	1.2%	8.1%
Healthcare	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

FGD vs. FDT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGD

FGD Risk / Return Rank: 80
FGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
FGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FGD Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FGD Martin Ratio Rank: 70

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 84
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
FDT Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. FDT - 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 First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). 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	FDT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	2.54	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	3.27	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.46	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	3.70	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.28	14.01	-2.74

FGD vs. FDT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGD Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is comparable to the FDT Sharpe Ratio of 2.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGD and FDT, 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. FDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGD drawdown since its inception was -68.05%, which is greater than FDT's maximum drawdown of -46.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGD and FDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGD	FDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.05%	-46.10%	-21.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.82%	-13.41%	+3.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.50%	-14.29%	+2.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.68%	-32.80%	+4.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.84%	-46.10%	+1.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.44%	-3.37%	+2.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.55%	-10.76%	-1.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	3.54%	-0.73%

Volatility

FGD vs. FDT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) is 3.57%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) has a volatility of 8.93%. This indicates that FGD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FGD	FDT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.57%	8.93%	-5.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.98%	17.27%	-7.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.81%	19.59%	-6.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.95%	18.46%	-3.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.21%	18.62%	-0.41%

FGD vs. FDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FGD vs. FDT - Dividend Comparison

FGD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.01%, more than FDT's 2.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	2.89%	3.27%	3.89%	4.36%	2.29%	3.80%	2.42%	2.78%	2.13%	1.57%	1.76%	1.83%
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	5.01%	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 FDT in my portfolio?

FGD and FDT 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 is riskier, FGD or FDT?

FDT has higher volatility (8.93%) compared to FGD (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGD dropped -68.05% vs FDT's -46.10%.

Which ETF is better, FGD or FDT?

On 10-year performance, FDT leads with 11.17% vs 10.39% for FGD. On fees, FGD is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FGD has been the lower-risk option at 3.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGD or FDT?

Over the 10-year period, FDT has performed better with a 11.17% return vs 10.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGD or FDT?

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

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

FGD has the higher dividend yield at 5.01%, compared with 2.89% for FDT.

What is the main difference between FGD and FDT?

FGD is categorized as Global Equities, while FDT is Foreign Large Cap Equities. FGD tracks Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index, while FDT tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for FGD and 0.80% for FDT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 2.48), 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.