FJP vs. FXU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FJP (First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund) and FXU (First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FJP is a Japan Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Japan Index, while FXU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Utilities Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FJP returned 7.61%/yr vs 9.38%/yr for FXU. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FJP charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for FXU.

Performance

FJP vs. FXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP) and First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FJP achieves a 12.56% return, which is significantly higher than FXU's 8.19% return. Over the past 10 years, FJP has underperformed FXU with an annualized return of 7.61%, while FXU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.38% annualized return.

FJP

• 1D: 1.05%
• 1M: -5.42%
• YTD: 12.56%
• 6M: 11.54%
• 1Y: 31.75%
• 3Y*: 19.57%
• 5Y*: 10.59%
• 10Y*: 7.61%

FXU

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 0.66%
• YTD: 8.19%
• 6M: 8.80%
• 1Y: 17.67%
• 3Y*: 17.64%
• 5Y*: 11.71%
• 10Y*: 9.38%

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

FJP vs. FXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FJP First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund	12.56%	33.60%	5.80%	23.00%	-12.83%	-1.13%	3.60%	7.72%	-18.60%	27.63%
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	8.19%	21.86%	22.50%	-2.12%	3.68%	17.67%	1.53%	11.67%	5.43%	0.98%

Correlation

The correlation between FJP and FXU is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.25
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 26, 2011	0.31

FJP vs. FXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FJP	FXU
Industrials	45.0%	4.2%
Consumer Cyclical	12.0%	-
Basic Materials	9.7%	-
Technology	8.9%	-
Utilities	6.1%	92.0%
Financial Services	5.6%	-
Energy	4.2%	3.7%
Healthcare	3.6%	-
Real Estate	3.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	-
Communication Services	0.7%	-

Return for Risk

FJP vs. FXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FJP

FJP Risk / Return Rank: 49
FJP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
FJP Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
FJP Omega Ratio Rank: 49
FJP Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
FJP Martin Ratio Rank: 45

FXU

FXU Risk / Return Rank: 39
FXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
FXU Omega Ratio Rank: 36
FXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
FXU Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

FJP vs. FXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP) and First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU). 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.

	FJP	FXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.26	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	1.75	+0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.21	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	1.93	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.55	5.17	+1.38

FJP vs. FXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FJP Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the FXU Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FJP and FXU, 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

FJP vs. FXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FJP drawdown since its inception was -41.51%, smaller than the maximum FXU drawdown of -49.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FJP and FXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FJP	FXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.51%	-49.00%	+7.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.43%	-8.63%	-5.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.02%	-17.46%	+0.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.88%	-21.87%	-10.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.51%	-34.81%	-6.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.75%	-5.57%	-2.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.45%	-7.63%	-3.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.89%	3.22%	+1.67%

Volatility

FJP vs. FXU - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP) has a higher volatility of 7.16% compared to First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) at 5.01%. This indicates that FJP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FJP	FXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.16%	5.01%	+2.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.43%	10.33%	+7.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.00%	13.30%	+7.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.43%	16.61%	+3.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.91%	18.34%	+0.57%

FJP vs. FXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FJP has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than FXU's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

FJP vs. FXU - Dividend Comparison

FJP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.53%, more than FXU's 2.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FJP First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund	2.53%	2.68%	3.18%	3.49%	2.21%	2.43%	0.99%	2.80%	1.54%	1.29%	1.46%	0.85%
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	2.16%	2.29%	2.41%	2.52%	2.03%	2.00%	3.97%	2.34%	2.40%	3.81%	2.62%	3.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FJP and FXU in my portfolio?

FJP and FXU have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FJP or FXU?

FJP has higher volatility (7.16%) compared to FXU (5.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FJP dropped -41.51% vs FXU's -49.00%.

Which ETF is better, FJP or FXU?

On 10-year performance, FXU leads with 9.38% vs 7.61% for FJP. On fees, FXU is cheaper at 0.62% per year. On volatility, FXU has been the lower-risk option at 5.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FJP or FXU?

Over the 10-year period, FXU has performed better with a 9.38% return vs 7.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FJP or FXU?

FXU is cheaper with a 0.62% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FJP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FJP or FXU?

FJP has the higher dividend yield at 2.53%, compared with 2.16% for FXU.

What is the main difference between FJP and FXU?

FJP is categorized as Japan Equities, while FXU is Utilities Equities. FJP tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Japan Index, while FXU tracks StrataQuant Utilities Index. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FJP and 0.62% for FXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FJP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 1.26), 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.