FPXE vs. FSZ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FPXE (First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF) and FSZ (First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund) are both Europe Equities funds from First Trust - FPXE tracks the IPOX 100 Europe Index while FSZ tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Switzerland Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FPXE returned 5.11%/yr vs 5.94%/yr for FSZ. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FPXE charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FSZ.

Performance

FPXE vs. FSZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXE) 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, FPXE achieves a 14.30% return, which is significantly higher than FSZ's 2.04% return.

FPXE

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: 7.42%
• YTD: 14.30%
• 6M: 16.85%
• 1Y: 20.71%
• 3Y*: 20.83%
• 5Y*: 5.11%
• 10Y*: —

FSZ

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: 1.60%
• YTD: 2.04%
• 6M: 6.03%
• 1Y: 9.94%
• 3Y*: 12.14%
• 5Y*: 5.94%
• 10Y*: 9.42%

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

FPXE vs. FSZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FPXE First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF	14.30%	24.46%	16.31%	14.45%	-35.13%	9.00%	35.00%	34.55%	-14.93%
FSZ First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund	2.04%	30.10%	-1.85%	21.30%	-20.12%	20.18%	13.83%	25.88%	-10.16%

Correlation

The correlation between FPXE 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	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 8, 2018	0.63

The correlation between FPXE and FSZ shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (all time) to 0.73 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FPXE vs. FSZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FPXE	FSZ
Industrials	24.6%	22.0%
Healthcare	19.7%	22.0%
Consumer Cyclical	13.6%	10.0%
Technology	12.5%	1.6%
Financial Services	11.5%	18.9%
Basic Materials	8.2%	8.2%
Communication Services	2.6%	3.9%
Utilities	2.6%	3.1%
Energy	2.0%	-
Real Estate	1.6%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	6.6%

Return for Risk

FPXE vs. FSZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

FPXE

FPXE Risk / Return Rank: 34
FPXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
FPXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
FPXE Omega Ratio Rank: 31
FPXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
FPXE Martin Ratio Rank: 37

FSZ

FSZ Risk / Return Rank: 20
FSZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
FSZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
FSZ Omega Ratio Rank: 19
FSZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
FSZ Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

FPXE vs. FSZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXE) 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.

	FPXE	FSZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	0.70	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.74	1.10	+0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.13	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	0.96	+0.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.73	2.41	+3.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FPXE vs. FSZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FPXE Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is higher than the FSZ Sharpe Ratio of 0.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FPXE 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FPXE	FSZ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.14	0.70	+0.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.31	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.52	-0.06

Drawdowns

FPXE vs. FSZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FPXE drawdown since its inception was -49.55%, which is greater than FSZ's maximum drawdown of -33.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FPXE and FSZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	FPXE	FSZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.55%	-33.97%	-15.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.33%	-10.39%	-0.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.28%	-13.93%	-5.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-49.55%	-33.96%	-15.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.12%	-5.11%	+3.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.69%	-7.00%	-7.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.62%	4.14%	-0.52%

Volatility

FPXE vs. FSZ - Volatility Comparison

First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXE) has a higher volatility of 6.87% compared to First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ) at 4.72%. This indicates that FPXE'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

	FPXE	FSZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.87%	4.72%	+2.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.69%	10.70%	+4.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.23%	14.25%	+3.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.71%	19.34%	+2.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.16%	18.95%	+3.21%

FPXE vs. FSZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

FPXE has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than FSZ's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

FPXE vs. FSZ - Dividend Comparison

FPXE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, less than FSZ's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FPXE First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF	1.01%	1.15%	2.10%	2.03%	1.81%	0.47%	1.35%	2.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FSZ First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund	2.39%	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 FPXE and FSZ in my portfolio?

FPXE 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, FPXE or FSZ?

FPXE has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to FSZ (4.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FPXE dropped -49.55% vs FSZ's -33.97%.

Which ETF is better, FPXE or FSZ?

On 5-year performance, FSZ leads with 5.94% vs 5.11% for FPXE. On fees, FPXE is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, FSZ has been the lower-risk option at 4.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FPXE or FSZ?

Over the 5-year period, FSZ has performed better with a 5.94% return vs 5.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FPXE or FSZ?

FPXE is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FSZ.

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

FSZ has the higher dividend yield at 2.39%, compared with 1.01% for FPXE.

What is the main difference between FPXE and FSZ?

FPXE tracks IPOX 100 Europe Index, while FSZ tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Switzerland Index. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FPXE and 0.80% for FSZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FPXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 vs 0.70), 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.