FSCS vs. FTDS
Compare and contrast key facts about First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS).
FSCS and FTDS are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. FSCS is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the SMID Capital Strength Index. It was launched on Jun 20, 2017. FTDS is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the Dividend Strength Index. It was launched on Dec 5, 2006. Both FSCS and FTDS are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Performance
FSCS vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
FSCS vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FSCS First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | -1.33% | 1.77% | 14.98% | 16.81% | -9.11% | 26.08% | 5.71% | 28.00% | -12.85% | 10.74% |
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF | 7.34% | 13.64% | 11.12% | 11.75% | -13.54% | 24.79% | 14.16% | 24.29% | -10.35% | 11.71% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FSCS achieves a -1.33% return, which is significantly lower than FTDS's 7.34% return.
FSCS
- 1D
- 1.22%
- 1M
- -5.61%
- YTD
- -1.33%
- 6M
- -3.50%
- 1Y
- 2.82%
- 3Y*
- 9.68%
- 5Y*
- 5.99%
- 10Y*
- —
FTDS
- 1D
- 0.71%
- 1M
- -2.93%
- YTD
- 7.34%
- 6M
- 9.57%
- 1Y
- 20.58%
- 3Y*
- 14.86%
- 5Y*
- 7.57%
- 10Y*
- 11.06%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
FSCS vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison
FSCS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
FSCS vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank
FSCS
FTDS
FSCS vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) 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.
| FSCS | FTDS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.16 | 1.15 | -0.99 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 0.37 | 1.74 | -1.37 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.05 | 1.24 | -0.19 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.25 | 1.66 | -1.41 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 0.87 | 7.46 | -6.59 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| FSCS | FTDS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.16 | 1.15 | -0.99 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.33 | 0.43 | -0.10 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | — | 0.55 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.39 | 0.32 | +0.07 |
Correlation
The correlation between FSCS and FTDS is 0.75, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
FSCS vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison
FSCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, less than FTDS's 1.64% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FSCS First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | 0.91% | 0.75% | 1.12% | 1.47% | 1.71% | 1.21% | 1.33% | 1.68% | 1.67% | 0.67% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF | 1.64% | 1.59% | 2.05% | 2.15% | 2.31% | 0.72% | 0.99% | 1.13% | 1.14% | 0.79% | 1.24% | 0.95% |
Drawdowns
FSCS vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FSCS drawdown since its inception was -43.57%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSCS and FTDS.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| FSCS | FTDS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -43.57% | -56.53% | +12.96% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -12.56% | -12.98% | +0.42% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -21.25% | -23.35% | +2.10% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -42.47% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -7.13% | -3.74% | -3.39% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.00% | -9.92% | +3.92% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.63% | 2.89% | +0.74% |
Volatility
FSCS vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) has a higher volatility of 3.53% compared to First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) at 2.94%. This indicates that FSCS'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.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| FSCS | FTDS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.53% | 2.94% | +0.59% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 8.76% | 9.68% | -0.92% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.50% | 17.99% | -0.49% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.15% | 17.65% | +0.50% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.35% | 20.14% | +1.21% |