FKU vs. FSZ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FKU (First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund) and FSZ (First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund) are both Europe Equities funds from First Trust - FKU tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX United Kingdom Index while FSZ tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Switzerland Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FKU returned 8.61%/yr vs 10.25%/yr for FSZ. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.80% expense ratio.

Performance

FKU vs. FSZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund (FKU) and First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FKU achieves a 4.87% return, which is significantly higher than FSZ's 2.53% return. Over the past 10 years, FKU has underperformed FSZ with an annualized return of 8.61%, while FSZ has yielded a comparatively higher 10.25% annualized return.

FKU

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: -0.56%
• YTD: 4.87%
• 6M: 5.02%
• 1Y: 19.66%
• 3Y*: 21.58%
• 5Y*: 7.65%
• 10Y*: 8.61%

FSZ

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 2.53%
• 6M: 1.73%
• 1Y: 11.07%
• 3Y*: 13.17%
• 5Y*: 6.20%
• 10Y*: 10.25%

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

FKU vs. FSZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FKU First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund	4.87%	37.97%	8.06%	20.59%	-24.12%	20.55%	-6.01%	32.90%	-16.21%	25.81%
FSZ First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund	2.53%	30.10%	-1.85%	21.30%	-20.12%	20.18%	13.83%	25.88%	-15.22%	31.30%

Correlation

The correlation between FKU and FSZ is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 27, 2012	0.64

The correlation between FKU and FSZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

FKU vs. FSZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FKU	FSZ
Financial Services	28.7%	22.0%
Basic Materials	18.3%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	12.6%	7.3%
Industrials	11.7%	17.1%
Communication Services	7.0%	2.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	4.9%
Healthcare	5.3%	14.6%
Real Estate	4.0%	2.4%
Energy	3.6%	-
Utilities	2.4%	2.4%
Technology	-	4.9%

Return for Risk

FKU vs. FSZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

FKU

FKU Risk / Return Rank: 32
FKU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
FKU Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
FKU Omega Ratio Rank: 31
FKU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
FKU Martin Ratio Rank: 33

FSZ

FSZ Risk / Return Rank: 23
FSZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
FSZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
FSZ Omega Ratio Rank: 22
FSZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
FSZ Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

FKU vs. FSZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund (FKU) and First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ). 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.

	FKU	FSZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	0.78	+0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.65	1.21	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.14	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.39	1.07	+0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.50	2.61	+1.88

FKU vs. FSZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FKU Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is higher than the FSZ Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FKU and FSZ, 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

FKU vs. FSZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FKU drawdown since its inception was -54.39%, which is greater than FSZ's maximum drawdown of -33.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FKU and FSZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	FKU	FSZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.39%	-33.97%	-20.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.25%	-10.39%	-3.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.25%	-13.93%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.54%	-33.96%	-7.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-54.39%	-33.97%	-20.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.89%	-4.66%	-1.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.78%	-6.98%	-3.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.38%	4.24%	+0.14%

Volatility

FKU vs. FSZ - Volatility Comparison

First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund (FKU) has a higher volatility of 5.02% compared to First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ) at 4.07%. This indicates that FKU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FKU	FSZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.02%	4.07%	+0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.22%	11.05%	+4.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.82%	14.34%	+3.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.90%	19.35%	+3.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.60%	18.75%	+4.85%

FKU vs. FSZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FKU and FSZ have an expense ratio of 0.80%.

Dividends

FKU vs. FSZ - Dividend Comparison

FKU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, more than FSZ's 2.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FKU First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund	2.75%	2.89%	4.07%	3.82%	5.55%	2.98%	1.48%	3.34%	5.12%	2.93%	2.60%	2.64%
FSZ First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund	2.38%	1.80%	1.80%	2.11%	3.50%	1.62%	1.53%	2.01%	2.29%	1.49%	1.93%	1.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FKU and FSZ in my portfolio?

FKU and FSZ have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FKU or FSZ?

FKU has higher volatility (5.02%) compared to FSZ (4.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FKU dropped -54.39% vs FSZ's -33.97%.

Which ETF is better, FKU or FSZ?

On 10-year performance, FSZ leads with 10.25% vs 8.61% for FKU. Both ETFs have the same 0.80% expense ratio. On volatility, FSZ has been the lower-risk option at 4.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FKU or FSZ?

Over the 10-year period, FSZ has performed better with a 10.25% return vs 8.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FKU or FSZ?

FKU and FSZ have the same expense ratio: 0.80% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FKU or FSZ?

FKU has the higher dividend yield at 2.75%, compared with 2.38% for FSZ.

What is the main difference between FKU and FSZ?

FKU tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX United Kingdom Index, while FSZ tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Switzerland Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FKU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.11 vs 0.78), 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.