FPWR vs. IDU

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FPWR (First Trust EIP Power Solutions ETF) and IDU (iShares U.S. Utilities ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds. FPWR is actively managed, while IDU is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FPWR returned 12.54%/yr vs 10.64%/yr for IDU. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FPWR charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for IDU.

Performance

FPWR vs. IDU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust EIP Power Solutions ETF (FPWR) and iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FPWR achieves a 15.51% return, which is significantly higher than IDU's 8.98% return.

FPWR

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 15.51%
• 6M: 15.06%
• 1Y: 23.37%
• 3Y*: 18.32%
• 5Y*: 12.54%
• 10Y*: —

IDU

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: 3.19%
• YTD: 8.98%
• 6M: 8.66%
• 1Y: 14.84%
• 3Y*: 15.38%
• 5Y*: 10.64%
• 10Y*: 9.06%

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

FPWR vs. IDU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FPWR First Trust EIP Power Solutions ETF	15.51%	16.78%	22.60%	-3.36%	5.28%	12.26%	8.98%	5.66%
IDU iShares U.S. Utilities ETF	8.98%	15.23%	23.23%	-5.02%	0.17%	16.96%	-1.07%	5.60%

Correlation

The correlation between FPWR and IDU is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2019	0.87

The correlation between FPWR and IDU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

FPWR vs. IDU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FPWR	IDU
Utilities	51.7%	91.1%
Energy	30.0%	0.5%
Industrials	6.7%	8.4%
Financial Services	1.7%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

FPWR vs. IDU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FPWR

FPWR Risk / Return Rank: 80
FPWR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
FPWR Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FPWR Omega Ratio Rank: 75
FPWR Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FPWR Martin Ratio Rank: 72

IDU

IDU Risk / Return Rank: 31
IDU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
IDU Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
IDU Omega Ratio Rank: 29
IDU Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
IDU Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

FPWR vs. IDU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust EIP Power Solutions ETF (FPWR) and iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU). 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.

	FPWR	IDU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	1.07	+1.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.23	1.51	+1.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.19	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.68	1.63	+3.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.75	3.60	+8.15

FPWR vs. IDU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FPWR Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is higher than the IDU Sharpe Ratio of 1.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FPWR and IDU, 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

FPWR vs. IDU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FPWR drawdown since its inception was -32.28%, smaller than the maximum IDU drawdown of -53.88%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FPWR and IDU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FPWR	IDU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.28%	-53.88%	+21.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.02%	-9.15%	+4.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.68%	-16.74%	+2.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.88%	-24.11%	+4.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.76%	-2.16%	+1.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.97%	-11.37%	+6.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	4.14%	-2.15%

Volatility

FPWR vs. IDU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust EIP Power Solutions ETF (FPWR) is 3.67%, while iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU) has a volatility of 5.06%. This indicates that FPWR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IDU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FPWR	IDU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.67%	5.06%	-1.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.20%	11.15%	-2.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.57%	13.88%	-3.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.21%	16.47%	-2.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.35%	18.74%	-1.39%

FPWR vs. IDU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FPWR has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than IDU's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

FPWR vs. IDU - Dividend Comparison

FPWR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.26%, more than IDU's 2.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FPWR First Trust EIP Power Solutions ETF	1.89%	1.97%	2.52%	2.54%	1.72%	1.66%	1.68%	0.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IDU iShares U.S. Utilities ETF	2.15%	2.23%	2.29%	2.79%	2.39%	2.39%	2.94%	2.71%	2.80%	2.62%	3.18%	4.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FPWR and IDU in my portfolio?

FPWR and IDU have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FPWR or IDU?

IDU has higher volatility (5.06%) compared to FPWR (3.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FPWR dropped -32.28% vs IDU's -53.88%.

Which ETF is better, FPWR or IDU?

On 5-year performance, FPWR leads with 12.54% vs 10.64% for IDU. On fees, IDU is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, FPWR has been the lower-risk option at 3.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FPWR or IDU?

Over the 5-year period, FPWR has performed better with a 12.54% return vs 10.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FPWR or IDU?

IDU is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for FPWR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FPWR or IDU?

FPWR has the higher dividend yield at 2.26%, compared with 2.15% for IDU.

What is the main difference between FPWR and IDU?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for FPWR and 0.42% for IDU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FPWR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 1.07), 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.