FXN vs. SCIO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FXN (First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund) and SCIO (First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FXN is a Energy Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Energy Index, while SCIO is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by First Trust. FXN is passively managed, while SCIO is actively managed. Over the past year, FXN returned 36.81% vs 5.43% for SCIO. At a correlation of -0.18, they often move in opposite directions. FXN charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for SCIO.

Performance

FXN vs. SCIO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) and First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF (SCIO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXN achieves a 25.36% return, which is significantly higher than SCIO's 1.83% return.

FXN

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -7.84%
• YTD: 25.36%
• 6M: 25.74%
• 1Y: 36.81%
• 3Y*: 13.95%
• 5Y*: 15.13%
• 10Y*: 5.82%

SCIO

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.73%
• YTD: 1.83%
• 6M: 1.92%
• 1Y: 5.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FXN vs. SCIO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FXN First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund	25.36%	3.39%	-1.50%
SCIO First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF	1.83%	10.17%	6.43%

Correlation

The correlation between FXN and SCIO is -0.25, 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	-0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2024	-0.18

Return for Risk

FXN vs. SCIO — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXN

FXN Risk / Return Rank: 49
FXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
FXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
FXN Omega Ratio Rank: 42
FXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
FXN Martin Ratio Rank: 51

SCIO

SCIO Risk / Return Rank: 58
SCIO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SCIO Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
SCIO Omega Ratio Rank: 59
SCIO Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
SCIO Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

FXN vs. SCIO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) and First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF (SCIO). 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.

	FXN	SCIO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	1.52	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	2.26	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.33	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.85	3.17	-0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.08	10.75	-2.67

FXN vs. SCIO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXN Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is comparable to the SCIO Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXN and SCIO, 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

FXN vs. SCIO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXN drawdown since its inception was -87.39%, which is greater than SCIO's maximum drawdown of -1.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXN and SCIO.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXN	SCIO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-87.39%	-1.72%	-85.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-1.72%	-11.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.69%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.69%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-80.63%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.26%	-0.10%	-11.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.90%	-0.30%	-37.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.57%	0.52%	+4.05%

Volatility

FXN vs. SCIO - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) has a higher volatility of 7.38% compared to First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF (SCIO) at 0.75%. This indicates that FXN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCIO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXN	SCIO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.38%	0.75%	+6.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.15%	1.79%	+15.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.85%	3.75%	+20.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.95%	3.19%	+25.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.94%	3.19%	+31.75%

FXN vs. SCIO - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXN has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is lower than SCIO's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXN vs. SCIO - Dividend Comparison

FXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, less than SCIO's 5.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXN First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund	1.91%	2.53%	2.50%	3.09%	2.28%	0.87%	4.71%	1.47%	1.43%	1.17%	1.05%	2.36%
SCIO First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF	5.97%	6.31%	6.02%	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 FXN and SCIO in my portfolio?

FXN and SCIO have a correlation of -0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FXN or SCIO?

FXN has higher volatility (7.38%) compared to SCIO (0.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXN dropped -87.39% vs SCIO's -1.72%.

Which ETF is better, FXN or SCIO?

On 1-year performance, FXN leads with 36.81% vs 5.43% for SCIO. On fees, FXN is cheaper at 0.64% per year. On volatility, SCIO has been the lower-risk option at 0.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXN or SCIO?

Over the 1-year period, FXN has performed better with a 36.81% return vs 5.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXN or SCIO?

FXN is cheaper with a 0.64% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for SCIO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FXN or SCIO?

SCIO has the higher dividend yield at 5.97%, compared with 1.91% for FXN.

What is the main difference between FXN and SCIO?

FXN is categorized as Energy Equities, while SCIO is Multisector Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for FXN and 0.70% for SCIO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 1.52), 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.