FPXI vs. FDT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FPXI (First Trust International Equity Opportunities ETF) and FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from First Trust - FPXI tracks the IPOX International Index while FDT tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FPXI returned 13.94%/yr vs 11.13%/yr for FDT. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FPXI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDT.

Performance

FPXI vs. FDT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust International Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXI) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FPXI achieves a 38.06% return, which is significantly higher than FDT's 20.49% return. Over the past 10 years, FPXI has outperformed FDT with an annualized return of 13.94%, while FDT has yielded a comparatively lower 11.13% annualized return.

FPXI

• 1D: -5.63%
• 1M: 8.84%
• YTD: 38.06%
• 6M: 35.72%
• 1Y: 51.16%
• 3Y*: 29.56%
• 5Y*: 4.36%
• 10Y*: 13.94%

FDT

• 1D: -4.44%
• 1M: -1.74%
• YTD: 20.49%
• 6M: 19.93%
• 1Y: 46.20%
• 3Y*: 28.02%
• 5Y*: 12.26%
• 10Y*: 11.13%

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

FPXI vs. FDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FPXI First Trust International Equity Opportunities ETF	38.06%	26.37%	12.62%	9.56%	-31.83%	-15.73%	71.50%	33.69%	-13.07%	39.32%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	20.49%	52.21%	6.97%	15.03%	-19.51%	11.43%	4.29%	16.82%	-19.98%	34.42%

Correlation

The correlation between FPXI and FDT is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 7, 2014	0.71

The correlation between FPXI and FDT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

FPXI vs. FDT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FPXI	FDT
Technology	37.3%	12.1%
Industrials	21.5%	32.4%
Basic Materials	13.2%	9.4%
Healthcare	10.9%	1.3%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	11.9%
Financial Services	4.2%	9.9%
Communication Services	2.2%	2.8%
Energy	2.1%	7.9%
Utilities	1.0%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	0.7%	2.5%
Real Estate	0.5%	5.0%

Return for Risk

FPXI vs. FDT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FPXI

FPXI Risk / Return Rank: 64
FPXI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
FPXI Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FPXI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FPXI Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FPXI Martin Ratio Rank: 68

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 73
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 76
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FDT Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

FPXI vs. FDT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust International Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXI) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). 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.

	FPXI	FDT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	2.30	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.95	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.42	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.48	3.46	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.66	13.03	-1.38

FPXI vs. FDT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FPXI Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the FDT Sharpe Ratio of 2.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FPXI and FDT, 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

FPXI vs. FDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FPXI drawdown since its inception was -55.78%, which is greater than FDT's maximum drawdown of -46.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FPXI and FDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FPXI	FDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.78%	-46.10%	-9.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.77%	-13.41%	-1.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.58%	-14.29%	-6.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.75%	-32.80%	-17.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-55.78%	-46.10%	-9.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.63%	-5.52%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.17%	-10.75%	-9.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.40%	3.56%	+0.84%

Volatility

FPXI vs. FDT - Volatility Comparison

First Trust International Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXI) has a higher volatility of 13.69% compared to First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) at 9.79%. This indicates that FPXI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FPXI	FDT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.69%	9.79%	+3.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.40%	18.03%	+5.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.63%	20.21%	+6.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.33%	18.58%	+3.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.46%	18.54%	+2.92%

FPXI vs. FDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FPXI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than FDT's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

FPXI vs. FDT - Dividend Comparison

FPXI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%, less than FDT's 2.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	2.96%	3.27%	3.89%	4.36%	2.29%	3.80%	2.42%	2.78%	2.13%	1.57%	1.76%	1.83%
FPXI First Trust International Equity Opportunities ETF	0.58%	0.70%	0.93%	0.71%	1.13%	0.71%	0.18%	0.67%	1.75%	0.75%	2.09%	1.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FPXI and FDT in my portfolio?

FPXI and FDT have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FPXI or FDT?

FPXI has higher volatility (13.69%) compared to FDT (9.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FPXI dropped -55.78% vs FDT's -46.10%.

Which ETF is better, FPXI or FDT?

On 10-year performance, FPXI leads with 13.94% vs 11.13% for FDT. On fees, FPXI is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, FDT has been the lower-risk option at 9.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FPXI or FDT?

Over the 10-year period, FPXI has performed better with a 13.94% return vs 11.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FPXI or FDT?

FPXI is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FPXI or FDT?

FDT has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 0.58% for FPXI.

What is the main difference between FPXI and FDT?

FPXI tracks IPOX International Index, while FDT tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FPXI and 0.80% for FDT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.93), 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.