FTA vs. MSTZ

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FTA (First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund) and MSTZ (T-REX 2X Inverse MSTR Daily Target ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTA is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Large Cap Value Index, while MSTZ is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by REX. FTA is passively managed, while MSTZ is actively managed. Over the past year, FTA returned 24.95% vs 282.56% for MSTZ. At a correlation of -0.25, they often move in opposite directions. FTA charges 0.60%/yr vs 1.05%/yr for MSTZ.

Performance

FTA vs. MSTZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) and T-REX 2X Inverse MSTR Daily Target ETF (MSTZ). 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 MSTZ's -23.27% 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%

MSTZ

• 1D: 5.07%
• 1M: 46.38%
• 6M: -9.68%
• YTD: -23.27%
• 1Y: 282.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTA vs. MSTZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FTA First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	15.56%	14.94%	-1.45%
MSTZ T-REX 2X Inverse MSTR Daily Target ETF	-23.27%	-38.95%	-94.43%

Correlation

The correlation between FTA and MSTZ is -0.23, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 18, 2024	-0.25

Return for Risk

FTA vs. MSTZ — 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

MSTZ

MSTZ Risk / Return Rank: 68
MSTZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
MSTZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
MSTZ Omega Ratio Rank: 68
MSTZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
MSTZ Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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. MSTZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) and T-REX 2X Inverse MSTR Daily Target ETF (MSTZ). 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	MSTZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	1.92	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.45	+0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.32	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.88	3.35	+1.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.50	6.53	+8.97

FTA vs. MSTZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTA Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is comparable to the MSTZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTA and MSTZ, 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. MSTZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTA drawdown since its inception was -62.45%, smaller than the maximum MSTZ drawdown of -99.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTA and MSTZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTA	MSTZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.45%	-99.38%	+36.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.13%	-84.89%	+79.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.73%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.80%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-97.39%	+97.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.99%	-94.53%	+85.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.62%	43.51%	-41.89%

Volatility

FTA vs. MSTZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) is 3.67%, while T-REX 2X Inverse MSTR Daily Target ETF (MSTZ) has a volatility of 56.56%. This indicates that FTA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSTZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTA	MSTZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.67%	56.56%	-52.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.70%	135.11%	-127.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.70%	148.53%	-136.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.24%	171.02%	-154.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.84%	171.02%	-151.18%

FTA vs. MSTZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTA has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than MSTZ's 1.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTA vs. MSTZ - Dividend Comparison

FTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.64%, while MSTZ has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
MSTZ T-REX 2X Inverse MSTR Daily Target ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTA and MSTZ in my portfolio?

FTA and MSTZ have a correlation of -0.23, 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 MSTZ?

MSTZ has higher volatility (56.56%) compared to FTA (3.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTA dropped -62.45% vs MSTZ's -99.38%.

Which ETF is better, FTA or MSTZ?

On 1-year performance, MSTZ leads with 282.56% vs 24.95% for FTA. On fees, FTA is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FTA 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, FTA or MSTZ?

Over the 1-year period, MSTZ has performed better with a 282.56% return vs 24.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTA or MSTZ?

FTA is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.05% for MSTZ.

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

FTA has the higher dividend yield at 1.64%, compared with 0.00% for MSTZ.

What is the main difference between FTA and MSTZ?

FTA is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while MSTZ is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and REX. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTA and 1.05% for MSTZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.92), 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.