FTDS vs. WNTR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) and WNTR (YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTDS is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Dividend Strength Index, while WNTR is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax. FTDS is passively managed, while WNTR is actively managed. Over the past year, FTDS returned 21.34% vs 115.98% for WNTR. At a correlation of -0.20, they often move in opposite directions. FTDS charges 0.70%/yr vs 1.01%/yr for WNTR.

Performance

FTDS vs. WNTR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) and YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTDS achieves a 8.91% return, which is significantly lower than WNTR's 17.65% return.

FTDS

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 1.82%
• YTD: 8.91%
• 6M: 7.64%
• 1Y: 21.34%
• 3Y*: 16.39%
• 5Y*: 6.87%
• 10Y*: 11.65%

WNTR

• 1D: 6.51%
• 1M: 45.64%
• YTD: 17.65%
• 6M: 21.49%
• 1Y: 115.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTDS vs. WNTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	8.91%	11.79%
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	17.65%	52.78%

Correlation

The correlation between FTDS and WNTR is -0.10, 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	-0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2025	-0.20

Return for Risk

FTDS vs. WNTR — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 58
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 54

WNTR

WNTR Risk / Return Rank: 63
WNTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
WNTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
WNTR Omega Ratio Rank: 64
WNTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
WNTR 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. WNTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) and YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR). 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	WNTR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	2.20	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.46	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.33	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.26	2.73	+0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.28	6.99	+1.29

FTDS vs. WNTR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the WNTR Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTDS and WNTR, 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. WNTR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTDS drawdown since its inception was -56.53%, which is greater than WNTR's maximum drawdown of -42.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTDS and WNTR.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTDS	WNTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.53%	-42.65%	-13.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.57%	-42.65%	+36.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.04%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.35%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.33%	-4.02%	+1.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.85%	-20.87%	+11.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	16.66%	-14.08%

Volatility

FTDS vs. WNTR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) is 3.24%, while YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR) has a volatility of 18.14%. This indicates that FTDS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WNTR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTDS	WNTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.24%	18.14%	-14.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.72%	46.41%	-37.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.05%	53.16%	-40.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.64%	53.31%	-35.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.12%	53.31%	-33.19%

FTDS vs. WNTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTDS has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than WNTR's 1.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTDS vs. WNTR - Dividend Comparison

FTDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.94%, less than WNTR's 94.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.94%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	94.34%	58.56%	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 FTDS and WNTR in my portfolio?

FTDS and WNTR have a correlation of -0.10, 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 WNTR?

WNTR has higher volatility (18.14%) compared to FTDS (3.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTDS dropped -56.53% vs WNTR's -42.65%.

Which ETF is better, FTDS or WNTR?

On 1-year performance, WNTR leads with 115.98% vs 21.34% for FTDS. On fees, FTDS is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTDS or WNTR?

Over the 1-year period, WNTR has performed better with a 115.98% return vs 21.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTDS or WNTR?

FTDS is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for WNTR.

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

WNTR has the higher dividend yield at 94.34%, compared with 1.94% for FTDS.

What is the main difference between FTDS and WNTR?

FTDS is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while WNTR is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FTDS and 1.01% for WNTR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WNTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.64), 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.