FTDS vs. TUSA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) and TUSA (First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from First Trust - FTDS tracks the Dividend Strength Index while TUSA tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Total US Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTDS returned 11.06%/yr vs 11.06%/yr for TUSA. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

FTDS vs. TUSA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) and First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF (TUSA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with FTDS at 7.13% and TUSA at 7.13%. Over a longer period, both investments have demonstrated similar performance, with their 10-year annualized returns being quite close: FTDS at 11.06% and TUSA at 11.06%.

FTDS

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: -0.24%
• YTD: 7.13%
• 6M: 6.12%
• 1Y: 18.68%
• 3Y*: 16.11%
• 5Y*: 6.66%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

TUSA

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: -0.24%
• YTD: 7.13%
• 6M: 6.12%
• 1Y: 18.68%
• 3Y*: 16.11%
• 5Y*: 6.66%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

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

FTDS vs. TUSA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	7.13%	13.64%	11.12%	11.75%	-13.54%	24.79%	14.16%	24.29%	-10.35%	20.07%
TUSA First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF	7.13%	13.64%	11.12%	11.75%	-13.54%	24.79%	14.16%	24.29%	-10.35%	20.07%

Correlation

The correlation between FTDS and TUSA is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2004	1.00

The correlation between FTDS and TUSA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTDS vs. TUSA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTDS	TUSA
Financial Services	28.4%	31.9%
Industrials	19.6%	19.8%
Energy	19.6%	1.9%
Technology	9.4%	6.1%
Healthcare	9.3%	2.0%
Basic Materials	8.5%	14.1%
Consumer Cyclical	3.4%	16.0%
Consumer Defensive	1.8%	4.1%
Communication Services	-	2.0%
Real Estate	-	2.1%
Utilities	-	7.5%

Return for Risk

FTDS vs. TUSA — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 48
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 42
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 47

TUSA

TUSA Risk / Return Rank: 48
TUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
TUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
TUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 42
TUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
TUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

FTDS vs. TUSA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) and First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF (TUSA). 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.

	FTDS	TUSA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.44	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	2.17	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.26	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.85	2.85	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.28	7.28	0.00

FTDS vs. TUSA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the TUSA Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTDS and TUSA, 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

FTDS vs. TUSA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTDS drawdown since its inception was -56.53%, roughly equal to the maximum TUSA drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTDS and TUSA.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTDS	TUSA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.53%	-56.53%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.57%	-6.57%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.04%	-18.04%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.35%	-23.35%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.47%	-42.47%	0.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.94%	-3.94%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.85%	-9.85%	0.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.57%	2.57%	0.00%

Volatility

FTDS vs. TUSA - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) and First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF (TUSA) have volatilities of 3.16% and 3.16%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTDS	TUSA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.16%	3.16%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.69%	8.69%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.03%	13.03%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.63%	17.63%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.13%	20.13%	0.00%

FTDS vs. TUSA - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FTDS and TUSA have an expense ratio of 0.70%.

Dividends

FTDS vs. TUSA - Dividend Comparison

FTDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.65%, which matches TUSA's 1.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.65%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%
TUSA First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF	1.65%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTDS and TUSA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, FTDS and TUSA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FTDS or TUSA?

TUSA has higher volatility (3.16%) compared to FTDS (3.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTDS dropped -56.53% vs TUSA's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, FTDS or TUSA?

On 10-year performance, TUSA leads with 11.06% vs 11.06% for FTDS. Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTDS or TUSA?

Over the 10-year period, TUSA has performed better with a 11.06% return vs 11.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTDS or TUSA?

FTDS and TUSA have the same expense ratio: 0.70% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTDS or TUSA?

FTDS and TUSA have nearly identical dividend yields, around 1.65%.

What is the main difference between FTDS and TUSA?

FTDS tracks Dividend Strength Index, while TUSA tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Total US Market Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TUSA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.44), 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.