FORH vs. FTDS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FORH (Formidable ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. FORH is actively managed, while FTDS is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FORH returned 1.34%/yr vs 6.32%/yr for FTDS. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FORH charges 1.19%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

FORH vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Formidable ETF (FORH) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FORH achieves a 4.39% return, which is significantly lower than FTDS's 6.54% return.

FORH

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: -1.56%
• YTD: 4.39%
• 6M: 1.81%
• 1Y: 12.85%
• 3Y*: 4.31%
• 5Y*: 1.34%
• 10Y*: —

FTDS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -2.16%
• YTD: 6.54%
• 6M: 6.72%
• 1Y: 18.40%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: 6.32%
• 10Y*: 10.75%

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

FORH vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FORH Formidable ETF	4.39%	16.27%	-5.63%	-0.69%	-1.64%	-0.11%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	6.54%	13.64%	11.12%	11.75%	-13.54%	6.83%

Correlation

The correlation between FORH and FTDS is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 3, 2021	0.61

The correlation between FORH and FTDS shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (1 year) to 0.61 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FORH vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FORH	FTDS
Industrials	29.2%	19.8%
Basic Materials	13.5%	8.0%
Technology	12.8%	9.4%
Healthcare	12.7%	9.4%
Energy	9.4%	20.2%
Utilities	7.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.1%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	1.9%
Real Estate	2.5%	-
Financial Services	2.3%	27.9%
Communication Services	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

FORH vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FORH

FORH Risk / Return Rank: 22
FORH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
FORH Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
FORH Omega Ratio Rank: 23
FORH Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
FORH Martin Ratio Rank: 18

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 45
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 39
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

FORH vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Formidable ETF (FORH) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). 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.

	FORH	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.82	1.44	-0.62
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.21	2.19	-0.97
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.25	-0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.01	2.81	-1.80
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	2.00	7.56	-5.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FORH vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FORH Sharpe Ratio is 0.82, which is lower than the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FORH and FTDS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FORH	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82	1.44	-0.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08	0.36	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.14	0.32	-0.18

Drawdowns

FORH vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FORH drawdown since its inception was -20.73%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FORH and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FORH	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.73%	-56.53%	+35.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.80%	-6.57%	-6.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.42%	-18.04%	-1.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.73%	-23.35%	+2.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.77%	-4.46%	-2.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.98%	-9.87%	+1.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.43%	2.44%	+3.99%

Volatility

FORH vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

Formidable ETF (FORH) has a higher volatility of 4.15% compared to First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) at 3.48%. This indicates that FORH's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTDS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FORH	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.15%	3.48%	+0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.10%	8.87%	+1.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.78%	12.92%	+2.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.02%	17.65%	-1.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.03%	20.14%	-4.11%

FORH vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FORH has a 1.19% expense ratio, which is higher than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

FORH vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

FORH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.75%, more than FTDS's 1.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FORH Formidable ETF	1.75%	1.82%	0.00%	3.88%	3.72%	0.69%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.66%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FORH and FTDS in my portfolio?

FORH and FTDS have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FORH or FTDS?

FORH has higher volatility (4.15%) compared to FTDS (3.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FORH dropped -20.73% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, FORH or FTDS?

On 5-year performance, FTDS leads with 6.32% vs 1.34% for FORH. On fees, FTDS is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FORH or FTDS?

Over the 5-year period, FTDS has performed better with a 6.32% return vs 1.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FORH or FTDS?

FTDS is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 1.19% for FORH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FORH or FTDS?

FORH has the higher dividend yield at 1.75%, compared with 1.66% for FTDS.

What is the main difference between FORH and FTDS?

They also come from different issuers: Formidable and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.19% for FORH and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 0.82), 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.