INEQ vs. FDT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

INEQ (Columbia International Equity Income ETF) and FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. INEQ is actively managed, while FDT is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, INEQ returned 9.59%/yr vs 11.13%/yr for FDT. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. INEQ charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDT.

Performance

INEQ vs. FDT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia International Equity Income ETF (INEQ) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, INEQ achieves a 5.17% return, which is significantly lower than FDT's 20.49% return. Over the past 10 years, INEQ has underperformed FDT with an annualized return of 9.59%, while FDT has yielded a comparatively higher 11.13% annualized return.

INEQ

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: -2.95%
• YTD: 5.17%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: 23.37%
• 3Y*: 19.18%
• 5Y*: 11.66%
• 10Y*: 9.59%

FDT

• 1D: -4.44%
• 1M: -1.74%
• YTD: 20.49%
• 6M: 19.93%
• 1Y: 46.20%
• 3Y*: 28.02%
• 5Y*: 12.26%
• 10Y*: 11.13%

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

INEQ vs. FDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
INEQ Columbia International Equity Income ETF	5.17%	39.85%	6.02%	20.88%	-5.95%	10.18%	-0.52%	15.83%	-18.30%	24.88%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	20.49%	52.21%	6.97%	15.03%	-19.51%	11.43%	4.29%	16.82%	-19.98%	34.42%

Correlation

The correlation between INEQ and FDT is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2016	0.78

The correlation between INEQ and FDT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

INEQ vs. FDT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	INEQ	FDT
Financial Services	24.4%	9.9%
Industrials	21.2%	32.4%
Healthcare	15.4%	1.3%
Energy	9.8%	7.9%
Communication Services	7.1%	2.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	2.5%
Consumer Cyclical	4.9%	11.9%
Basic Materials	3.9%	9.4%
Technology	2.9%	12.1%
Utilities	1.9%	4.8%
Real Estate	1.8%	5.0%

Return for Risk

INEQ vs. FDT — Risk / Return Rank

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

INEQ

INEQ Risk / Return Rank: 54
INEQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
INEQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
INEQ Omega Ratio Rank: 54
INEQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
INEQ Martin Ratio Rank: 53

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 73
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 76
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FDT Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

INEQ vs. FDT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia International Equity Income ETF (INEQ) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). 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.

	INEQ	FDT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	2.30	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.95	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.42	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	3.46	-1.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.42	13.03	-4.61

INEQ vs. FDT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current INEQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is comparable to the FDT Sharpe Ratio of 2.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of INEQ and FDT, 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

INEQ vs. FDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum INEQ drawdown since its inception was -41.71%, smaller than the maximum FDT drawdown of -46.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for INEQ and FDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	INEQ	FDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.71%	-46.10%	+4.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.56%	-13.41%	+3.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.38%	-14.29%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.51%	-32.80%	+8.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.71%	-46.10%	+4.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.44%	-5.52%	+0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.04%	-10.75%	+3.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.78%	3.56%	-0.78%

Volatility

INEQ vs. FDT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Columbia International Equity Income ETF (INEQ) is 3.96%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) has a volatility of 9.79%. This indicates that INEQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	INEQ	FDT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.96%	9.79%	-5.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.06%	18.03%	-6.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.77%	20.21%	-6.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.33%	18.58%	-3.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.34%	18.54%	-2.20%

INEQ vs. FDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

INEQ has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FDT's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

INEQ vs. FDT - Dividend Comparison

INEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.38%, more than FDT's 2.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	2.96%	3.27%	3.89%	4.36%	2.29%	3.80%	2.42%	2.78%	2.13%	1.57%	1.76%	1.83%
INEQ Columbia International Equity Income ETF	9.38%	9.76%	3.11%	3.27%	3.57%	3.43%	2.64%	3.34%	7.25%	4.63%	2.52%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both INEQ and FDT in my portfolio?

INEQ and FDT have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, INEQ or FDT?

FDT has higher volatility (9.79%) compared to INEQ (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, INEQ dropped -41.71% vs FDT's -46.10%.

Which ETF is better, INEQ or FDT?

On 10-year performance, FDT leads with 11.13% vs 9.59% for INEQ. On fees, INEQ is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, INEQ has been the lower-risk option at 3.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, INEQ or FDT?

Over the 10-year period, FDT has performed better with a 11.13% return vs 9.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, INEQ or FDT?

INEQ is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, INEQ or FDT?

INEQ has the higher dividend yield at 9.38%, compared with 2.96% for FDT.

What is the main difference between INEQ and FDT?

They also come from different issuers: Columbia Threadneedle and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for INEQ and 0.80% for FDT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.70), 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.