FTDS vs. VXF

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) and VXF (Vanguard Extended Market ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - FTDS tracks the Dividend Strength Index while VXF tracks the S&P Completion Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTDS returned 11.09%/yr vs 11.87%/yr for VXF. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTDS charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXF.

Performance

FTDS vs. VXF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTDS achieves a 13.28% return, which is significantly lower than VXF's 15.17% return. Over the past 10 years, FTDS has underperformed VXF with an annualized return of 11.09%, while VXF has yielded a comparatively higher 11.87% annualized return.

FTDS

• 1D: 2.03%
• 1M: 4.86%
• 6M: 7.42%
• YTD: 13.28%
• 1Y: 22.63%
• 3Y*: 16.03%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

VXF

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.40%
• 6M: 8.83%
• YTD: 15.17%
• 1Y: 23.42%
• 3Y*: 17.14%
• 5Y*: 7.11%
• 10Y*: 11.87%

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

FTDS vs. VXF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	13.28%	13.64%	11.12%	11.75%	-13.54%	24.79%	14.16%	24.29%	-10.35%	20.07%
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	15.17%	11.40%	16.89%	25.51%	-26.52%	12.31%	32.45%	27.96%	-9.34%	18.06%

Correlation

The correlation between FTDS and VXF is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2004	0.64

The correlation between FTDS and VXF shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (1 year) to 0.75 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTDS vs. VXF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTDS	VXF
Financial Services	28.4%	14.0%
Industrials	19.6%	19.3%
Energy	19.6%	4.4%
Technology	9.4%	22.8%
Healthcare	9.3%	12.9%
Basic Materials	8.5%	4.2%
Consumer Cyclical	3.4%	9.2%
Consumer Defensive	1.8%	2.5%
Communication Services	-	3.2%
Real Estate	-	5.8%
Utilities	-	1.9%

Return for Risk

FTDS vs. VXF — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 70
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 64
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 63

VXF

VXF Risk / Return Rank: 50
VXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
VXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VXF Omega Ratio Rank: 43
VXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VXF Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. VXF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF). 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	VXF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.33	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	1.92	+0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.23	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.46	2.30	+1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.78	8.03	+0.75

FTDS vs. VXF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is higher than the VXF Sharpe Ratio of 1.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTDS and VXF, 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. VXF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTDS drawdown since its inception was -56.53%, roughly equal to the maximum VXF drawdown of -58.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTDS and VXF.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTDS	VXF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.53%	-58.03%	+1.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.57%	-10.21%	+3.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.04%	-26.92%	+8.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.35%	-36.39%	+13.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.47%	-41.72%	-0.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.71%	+2.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.83%	-9.52%	-0.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	2.92%	-0.34%

Volatility

FTDS vs. VXF - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) have volatilities of 3.66% and 3.85%, 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	VXF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.66%	3.85%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.44%	13.27%	-4.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.95%	17.71%	-4.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.61%	22.42%	-4.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.04%	22.26%	-2.22%

FTDS vs. VXF - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTDS has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VXF's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTDS vs. VXF - Dividend Comparison

FTDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.55%, more than VXF's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.55%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	1.02%	1.14%	1.09%	1.27%	1.15%	1.13%	1.07%	1.30%	1.66%	1.25%	1.43%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTDS and VXF in my portfolio?

FTDS and VXF have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTDS or VXF?

VXF has higher volatility (3.85%) compared to FTDS (3.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTDS dropped -56.53% vs VXF's -58.03%.

Which ETF is better, FTDS or VXF?

On 10-year performance, VXF leads with 11.87% vs 11.09% for FTDS. On fees, VXF is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTDS or VXF?

Over the 10-year period, VXF has performed better with a 11.87% return vs 11.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTDS or VXF?

VXF is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.55%, compared with 1.02% for VXF.

What is the main difference between FTDS and VXF?

FTDS tracks Dividend Strength Index, while VXF tracks S&P Completion Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FTDS and 0.05% for VXF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.33), 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.