FTA vs. ABEQ

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FTA (First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund) and ABEQ (Absolute Select Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. FTA is passively managed, while ABEQ is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FTA returned 10.79%/yr vs 7.97%/yr for ABEQ. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FTA charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for ABEQ.

Performance

FTA vs. ABEQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) and Absolute Select Value ETF (ABEQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTA achieves a 15.56% return, which is significantly higher than ABEQ's 5.04% return.

FTA

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 1.78%
• 6M: 12.39%
• YTD: 15.56%
• 1Y: 24.95%
• 3Y*: 15.59%
• 5Y*: 10.79%
• 10Y*: 11.26%

ABEQ

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.82%
• 6M: 1.97%
• YTD: 5.04%
• 1Y: 11.02%
• 3Y*: 11.73%
• 5Y*: 7.97%
• 10Y*: —

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

FTA vs. ABEQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FTA First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	15.56%	14.94%	10.13%	10.08%	-3.73%	29.32%	-0.46%
ABEQ Absolute Select Value ETF	5.04%	15.32%	12.68%	4.63%	-1.00%	12.49%	2.14%

Correlation

The correlation between FTA and ABEQ is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 22, 2020	0.81

The correlation between FTA and ABEQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTA vs. ABEQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTA	ABEQ
Financial Services	21.9%	29.8%
Utilities	10.8%	1.4%
Energy	9.8%	11.8%
Healthcare	9.7%	6.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	-
Technology	8.8%	4.4%
Industrials	8.5%	15.6%
Real Estate	6.6%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	7.0%
Communication Services	5.0%	6.2%
Basic Materials	3.4%	19.4%

Return for Risk

FTA vs. ABEQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTA

FTA Risk / Return Rank: 86
FTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
FTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
FTA Omega Ratio Rank: 79
FTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FTA Martin Ratio Rank: 89

ABEQ

ABEQ Risk / Return Rank: 37
ABEQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
ABEQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
ABEQ Omega Ratio Rank: 41
ABEQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
ABEQ Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

FTA vs. ABEQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) and Absolute Select Value ETF (ABEQ). 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.

	FTA	ABEQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	1.22	+0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	1.76	+1.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.22	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.88	1.40	+3.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.50	2.91	+12.59

FTA vs. ABEQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTA Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is higher than the ABEQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTA and ABEQ, 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

FTA vs. ABEQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTA drawdown since its inception was -62.45%, which is greater than ABEQ's maximum drawdown of -27.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTA and ABEQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTA	ABEQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.45%	-27.82%	-34.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.13%	-7.89%	+2.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.73%	-7.95%	-10.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.80%	-17.26%	-2.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-6.00%	+6.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.99%	-4.11%	-4.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.62%	3.79%	-2.17%

Volatility

FTA vs. ABEQ - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) has a higher volatility of 3.67% compared to Absolute Select Value ETF (ABEQ) at 2.94%. This indicates that FTA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ABEQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTA	ABEQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.67%	2.94%	+0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.70%	6.70%	+1.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.70%	9.11%	+2.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.24%	10.79%	+5.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.84%	13.78%	+6.06%

FTA vs. ABEQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTA has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than ABEQ's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTA vs. ABEQ - Dividend Comparison

FTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.64%, more than ABEQ's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ABEQ Absolute Select Value ETF	1.21%	1.25%	1.48%	2.60%	1.20%	0.60%	0.60%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTA First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	1.64%	1.89%	2.02%	2.10%	2.15%	1.54%	2.03%	1.88%	2.28%	1.53%	1.56%	2.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTA and ABEQ in my portfolio?

FTA and ABEQ have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTA or ABEQ?

FTA has higher volatility (3.67%) compared to ABEQ (2.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTA dropped -62.45% vs ABEQ's -27.82%.

Which ETF is better, FTA or ABEQ?

On 5-year performance, FTA leads with 10.79% vs 7.97% for ABEQ. On fees, FTA is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, ABEQ has been the lower-risk option at 2.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTA or ABEQ?

Over the 5-year period, FTA has performed better with a 10.79% return vs 7.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTA or ABEQ?

FTA is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for ABEQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTA or ABEQ?

FTA has the higher dividend yield at 1.64%, compared with 1.21% for ABEQ.

What is the main difference between FTA and ABEQ?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Absolute Investment Advisers LLC. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTA and 0.85% for ABEQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.22), 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.