FXG vs. IHDG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FXG (First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund) and IHDG (WisdomTree International Hedged Dividend Growth Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FXG is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index, while IHDG is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International Hedged Dividend Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FXG returned 4.68%/yr vs 10.99%/yr for IHDG. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FXG charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for IHDG.

Performance

FXG vs. IHDG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) and WisdomTree International Hedged Dividend Growth Fund (IHDG). 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 IHDG's 7.69% return. Over the past 10 years, FXG has underperformed IHDG with an annualized return of 4.68%, while IHDG has yielded a comparatively higher 10.99% annualized 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%

IHDG

• 1D: -1.36%
• 1M: 3.44%
• YTD: 7.69%
• 6M: 7.95%
• 1Y: 18.72%
• 3Y*: 11.73%
• 5Y*: 7.83%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

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

FXG vs. IHDG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	2.89%	-2.66%	3.21%	1.97%	3.28%	21.73%	4.85%	20.65%	-11.49%	7.87%
IHDG WisdomTree International Hedged Dividend Growth Fund	7.69%	14.17%	5.97%	20.00%	-11.53%	19.75%	10.51%	33.42%	-12.03%	21.93%

Correlation

The correlation between FXG and IHDG is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 7, 2014	0.47

Over the past year, the correlation between FXG and IHDG has dropped to 0.22 - well below their long-term average of 0.47, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FXG vs. IHDG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FXG	IHDG
Consumer Defensive	79.6%	4.3%
Healthcare	8.3%	9.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	19.2%
Industrials	4.0%	24.5%
Basic Materials	2.0%	5.1%
Communication Services	-	5.8%
Energy	-	3.7%
Financial Services	-	15.8%
Real Estate	-	0.3%
Technology	-	11.2%
Utilities	-	0.8%

Return for Risk

FXG vs. IHDG — 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

IHDG

IHDG Risk / Return Rank: 39
IHDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
IHDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
IHDG Omega Ratio Rank: 38
IHDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
IHDG Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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. IHDG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) and WisdomTree International Hedged Dividend Growth Fund (IHDG). 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	IHDG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.07	1.34	-1.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.00	1.95	-1.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.24	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.07	1.79	-1.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.15	6.63	-6.79

FXG vs. IHDG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXG Sharpe Ratio is -0.07, which is lower than the IHDG Sharpe Ratio of 1.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXG and IHDG, 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. IHDG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXG drawdown since its inception was -38.69%, which is greater than IHDG's maximum drawdown of -29.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXG and IHDG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXG	IHDG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.69%	-29.24%	-9.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.75%	-10.49%	-2.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.75%	-18.88%	+6.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.70%	-19.52%	+3.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.54%	-29.24%	+1.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.01%	-1.64%	-8.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.03%	-4.02%	-2.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.87%	2.83%	+3.04%

Volatility

FXG vs. IHDG - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) has a higher volatility of 5.33% compared to WisdomTree International Hedged Dividend Growth Fund (IHDG) at 4.73%. This indicates that FXG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IHDG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXG	IHDG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.33%	4.73%	+0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.04%	11.88%	-1.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.40%	14.07%	-0.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.58%	14.93%	-1.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.97%	15.64%	-0.67%

FXG vs. IHDG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXG has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than IHDG's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXG vs. IHDG - Dividend Comparison

FXG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.82%, more than IHDG's 1.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
IHDG WisdomTree International Hedged Dividend Growth Fund	1.78%	1.84%	2.42%	1.70%	13.79%	2.77%	1.94%	1.99%	0.22%	1.28%	1.91%	3.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXG and IHDG in my portfolio?

FXG and IHDG have a correlation of 0.22, 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 IHDG?

FXG has higher volatility (5.33%) compared to IHDG (4.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXG dropped -38.69% vs IHDG's -29.24%.

Which ETF is better, FXG or IHDG?

On 10-year performance, IHDG leads with 10.99% vs 4.68% for FXG. On fees, IHDG is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, IHDG has been the lower-risk option at 4.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXG or IHDG?

Over the 10-year period, IHDG has performed better with a 10.99% return vs 4.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXG or IHDG?

IHDG is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FXG.

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

FXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.82%, compared with 1.78% for IHDG.

What is the main difference between FXG and IHDG?

FXG is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while IHDG is Foreign Large Cap Equities. FXG tracks StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index, while IHDG tracks WisdomTree International Hedged Dividend Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for FXG and 0.58% for IHDG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IHDG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.34 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.