IFV vs. SPDW

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

IFV (First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF) and SPDW (SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - IFV tracks the Dorsey Wright International Focus Five Index while SPDW tracks the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IFV returned 6.41%/yr vs 9.98%/yr for SPDW. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IFV charges 1.06%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPDW.

Performance

IFV vs. SPDW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF (IFV) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IFV achieves a 3.32% return, which is significantly lower than SPDW's 13.33% return. Over the past 10 years, IFV has underperformed SPDW with an annualized return of 6.41%, while SPDW has yielded a comparatively higher 9.98% annualized return.

IFV

• 1D: -1.52%
• 1M: -8.83%
• 6M: -0.70%
• YTD: 3.32%
• 1Y: 12.49%
• 3Y*: 13.48%
• 5Y*: 3.79%
• 10Y*: 6.41%

SPDW

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -2.36%
• 6M: 9.01%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 1Y: 27.43%
• 3Y*: 17.79%
• 5Y*: 9.81%
• 10Y*: 9.98%

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

IFV vs. SPDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IFV First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF	3.32%	32.26%	0.33%	20.45%	-25.39%	5.59%	6.15%	26.29%	-20.44%	32.58%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	13.33%	34.75%	3.55%	17.81%	-15.98%	11.45%	9.90%	22.41%	-14.22%	25.81%

Correlation

The correlation between IFV and SPDW is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2014	0.82

The correlation between IFV and SPDW shifts across timeframes, from 0.78 (5 years) to 0.88 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IFV vs. SPDW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IFV	SPDW
Industrials	30.7%	18.4%
Financial Services	11.2%	22.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	7.8%
Basic Materials	9.8%	7.3%
Technology	9.5%	16.8%
Energy	7.8%	4.9%
Real Estate	5.8%	2.3%
Utilities	5.1%	3.0%
Healthcare	3.9%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	5.4%
Communication Services	2.5%	3.9%

Return for Risk

IFV vs. SPDW — Risk / Return Rank

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

IFV

IFV Risk / Return Rank: 25
IFV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
IFV Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
IFV Omega Ratio Rank: 24
IFV Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
IFV Martin Ratio Rank: 29

SPDW

SPDW Risk / Return Rank: 61
SPDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
SPDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
SPDW Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SPDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
SPDW Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

IFV vs. SPDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF (IFV) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). 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.

	IFV	SPDW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.70	1.63	-0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.07	2.26	-1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.30	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.00	2.39	-1.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.25	9.07	-5.82

IFV vs. SPDW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IFV Sharpe Ratio is 0.70, which is lower than the SPDW Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IFV and SPDW, 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

IFV vs. SPDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IFV drawdown since its inception was -48.89%, smaller than the maximum SPDW drawdown of -60.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IFV and SPDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	IFV	SPDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.89%	-60.02%	+11.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.57%	-11.55%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.66%	-13.53%	-1.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.00%	-30.21%	-2.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.89%	-34.98%	-13.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.73%	-2.95%	-6.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.15%	-12.84%	-0.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.86%	3.03%	+0.83%

Volatility

IFV vs. SPDW - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF (IFV) has a higher volatility of 6.50% compared to SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW) at 5.20%. This indicates that IFV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPDW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IFV	SPDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.50%	5.20%	+1.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.71%	14.95%	+0.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.94%	16.91%	+1.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.29%	16.74%	+1.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.57%	17.09%	+3.48%

IFV vs. SPDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

IFV has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is higher than SPDW's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

IFV vs. SPDW - Dividend Comparison

IFV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.88%, less than SPDW's 3.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IFV First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF	1.88%	1.95%	2.31%	2.88%	3.79%	1.04%	1.53%	2.91%	1.86%	1.43%	1.10%	1.52%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	3.05%	3.30%	3.19%	2.75%	3.12%	3.04%	1.87%	3.13%	3.08%	1.86%	3.11%	2.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IFV and SPDW in my portfolio?

IFV and SPDW have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IFV or SPDW?

IFV has higher volatility (6.50%) compared to SPDW (5.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IFV dropped -48.89% vs SPDW's -60.02%.

Which ETF is better, IFV or SPDW?

On 10-year performance, SPDW leads with 9.98% vs 6.41% for IFV. On fees, SPDW is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, SPDW has been the lower-risk option at 5.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IFV or SPDW?

Over the 10-year period, SPDW has performed better with a 9.98% return vs 6.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IFV or SPDW?

SPDW is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 1.06% for IFV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IFV or SPDW?

SPDW has the higher dividend yield at 3.05%, compared with 1.88% for IFV.

What is the main difference between IFV and SPDW?

IFV tracks Dorsey Wright International Focus Five Index, while SPDW tracks S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 1.06% for IFV and 0.04% for SPDW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPDW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.63 vs 0.70), 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.