FGD vs. IDV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FGD (First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund) and IDV (iShares International Select Dividend ETF) are both Global Equities funds - FGD tracks the Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index while IDV tracks the Dow Jones EPAC Select Dividend. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FGD returned 10.25%/yr vs 10.63%/yr for IDV. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FGD charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for IDV.

Performance

FGD vs. IDV - 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 iShares International Select Dividend ETF (IDV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FGD having a 8.77% return and IDV slightly higher at 9.00%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FGD having a 10.25% annualized return and IDV not far ahead at 10.63%.

FGD

• 1D: -0.91%
• 1M: -3.22%
• YTD: 8.77%
• 6M: 8.41%
• 1Y: 27.05%
• 3Y*: 22.21%
• 5Y*: 10.63%
• 10Y*: 10.25%

IDV

• 1D: -1.21%
• 1M: -4.79%
• YTD: 9.00%
• 6M: 9.11%
• 1Y: 30.43%
• 3Y*: 24.49%
• 5Y*: 11.78%
• 10Y*: 10.63%

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

FGD vs. IDV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	8.77%	44.42%	5.71%	8.20%	-7.25%	20.83%	-5.23%	20.64%	-12.49%	17.87%
IDV iShares International Select Dividend ETF	9.00%	52.16%	4.00%	10.32%	-6.40%	12.00%	-5.94%	23.56%	-10.37%	19.74%

Correlation

The correlation between FGD and IDV is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 27, 2007	0.86

The correlation between FGD and IDV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

FGD vs. IDV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FGD	IDV
Financial Services	33.8%	30.6%
Industrials	14.3%	6.9%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	9.9%
Energy	9.2%	14.8%
Communication Services	9.2%	9.9%
Consumer Defensive	8.9%	7.2%
Basic Materials	6.5%	6.3%
Utilities	4.8%	11.5%
Real Estate	2.3%	2.3%
Technology	1.5%	0.9%
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

FGD vs. IDV — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGD

FGD Risk / Return Rank: 64
FGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
FGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FGD Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
FGD Martin Ratio Rank: 57

IDV

IDV Risk / Return Rank: 73
IDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
IDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
IDV Omega Ratio Rank: 75
IDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
IDV Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. IDV - 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 iShares International Select Dividend ETF (IDV). 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	IDV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	2.32	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	3.08	-0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.42	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	3.59	-0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.57	12.85	-3.28

FGD vs. IDV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGD Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is comparable to the IDV Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGD and IDV, 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. IDV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGD drawdown since its inception was -68.05%, roughly equal to the maximum IDV drawdown of -70.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGD and IDV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGD	IDV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.05%	-70.14%	+2.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.82%	-8.52%	-1.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.50%	-11.86%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.68%	-29.19%	+0.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.84%	-42.50%	-2.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.09%	-5.67%	+1.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.54%	-15.36%	+2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	2.37%	+0.46%

Volatility

FGD vs. IDV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) is 3.65%, while iShares International Select Dividend ETF (IDV) has a volatility of 3.96%. This indicates that FGD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IDV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FGD	IDV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.65%	3.96%	-0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.17%	11.11%	-0.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.82%	13.18%	-0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.93%	15.59%	-0.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.00%	17.70%	+0.30%

FGD vs. IDV - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGD has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than IDV's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGD vs. IDV - Dividend Comparison

FGD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.20%, less than IDV's 5.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	5.20%	5.62%	5.87%	6.44%	5.74%	5.35%	6.17%	5.19%	5.88%	4.01%	4.36%	5.07%
IDV iShares International Select Dividend ETF	5.45%	4.94%	6.46%	6.51%	7.33%	5.78%	5.47%	5.15%	5.93%	4.52%	4.69%	5.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGD and IDV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, FGD and IDV move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FGD or IDV?

IDV has higher volatility (3.96%) compared to FGD (3.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGD dropped -68.05% vs IDV's -70.14%.

Which ETF is better, FGD or IDV?

On 10-year performance, IDV leads with 10.63% vs 10.25% for FGD. On fees, IDV is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, FGD has been the lower-risk option at 3.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGD or IDV?

Over the 10-year period, IDV has performed better with a 10.63% return vs 10.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGD or IDV?

IDV is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for FGD.

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

IDV has the higher dividend yield at 5.45%, compared with 5.20% for FGD.

What is the main difference between FGD and IDV?

FGD tracks Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index, while IDV tracks Dow Jones EPAC Select Dividend. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for FGD and 0.49% for IDV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 2.13), 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.