FXG vs. FAI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FXG (First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund) and FAI (First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FXG is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index, while FAI is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FXG returned -0.88% vs 56.66% for FAI. At a correlation of -0.15, they often move in opposite directions. FXG charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for FAI.

Performance

FXG vs. FAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) and First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXG achieves a 2.89% return, which is significantly lower than FAI's 27.58% return.

FXG

• 1D: 2.07%
• 1M: 1.23%
• YTD: 2.89%
• 6M: 2.89%
• 1Y: -0.88%
• 3Y*: 2.22%
• 5Y*: 3.58%
• 10Y*: 4.68%

FAI

• 1D: -4.82%
• 1M: 1.99%
• YTD: 27.58%
• 6M: 26.62%
• 1Y: 56.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FXG vs. FAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	2.89%	-2.66%	-5.11%
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	27.58%	33.37%	2.28%

Correlation

The correlation between FXG and FAI is -0.24, 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	-0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2024	-0.15

Return for Risk

FXG vs. FAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXG

FXG Risk / Return Rank: 8
FXG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
FXG Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
FXG Omega Ratio Rank: 7
FXG Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
FXG Martin Ratio Rank: 8

FAI

FAI Risk / Return Rank: 64
FAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
FAI Omega Ratio Rank: 63
FAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
FAI 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.

FXG vs. FAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) and First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI). 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.

	FXG	FAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.07	2.08	-2.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.00	2.56	-2.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.35	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.07	3.02	-3.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.15	9.38	-9.53

FXG vs. FAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXG Sharpe Ratio is -0.07, which is lower than the FAI Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXG and FAI, 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

FXG vs. FAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXG drawdown since its inception was -38.69%, which is greater than FAI's maximum drawdown of -27.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXG and FAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXG	FAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.69%	-27.82%	-10.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.75%	-18.84%	+6.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.75%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.70%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.54%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.01%	-9.38%	-0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.03%	-5.37%	-0.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.87%	6.06%	-0.19%

Volatility

FXG vs. FAI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) is 5.33%, while First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) has a volatility of 14.67%. This indicates that FXG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXG	FAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.33%	14.67%	-9.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.04%	22.72%	-12.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.40%	27.43%	-14.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.58%	31.12%	-17.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.97%	31.12%	-16.15%

FXG vs. FAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXG has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is lower than FAI's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXG vs. FAI - Dividend Comparison

FXG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.82%, while FAI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	2.82%	2.83%	1.70%	1.41%	1.83%	1.38%	1.41%	1.63%	2.31%	1.34%	1.72%	1.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXG and FAI in my portfolio?

FXG and FAI have a correlation of -0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FXG or FAI?

FAI has higher volatility (14.67%) compared to FXG (5.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXG dropped -38.69% vs FAI's -27.82%.

Which ETF is better, FXG or FAI?

On 1-year performance, FAI leads with 56.66% vs -0.88% for FXG. On fees, FXG is cheaper at 0.63% per year. On volatility, FXG has been the lower-risk option at 5.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXG or FAI?

Over the 1-year period, FAI has performed better with a 56.66% return vs -0.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXG or FAI?

FXG is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FXG or FAI?

FXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.82%, compared with 0.00% for FAI.

What is the main difference between FXG and FAI?

FXG is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while FAI is Technology Equities. FXG tracks StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index, while FAI tracks Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Index. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for FXG and 0.65% for FAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs -0.07), 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.