IXC vs. FDTS

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IXC (iShares Global Energy ETF) and FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - IXC is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Global 1200 Energy Capped Index, while FDTS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXC returned 10.05%/yr vs 10.96%/yr for FDTS. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IXC charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDTS.

Performance

IXC vs. FDTS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXC achieves a 29.17% return, which is significantly higher than FDTS's 18.78% return. Over the past 10 years, IXC has underperformed FDTS with an annualized return of 10.05%, while FDTS has yielded a comparatively higher 10.96% annualized return.

IXC

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -1.67%
• YTD: 29.17%
• 6M: 28.84%
• 1Y: 36.66%
• 3Y*: 17.43%
• 5Y*: 19.14%
• 10Y*: 10.05%

FDTS

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -3.79%
• YTD: 18.78%
• 6M: 20.77%
• 1Y: 44.72%
• 3Y*: 24.70%
• 5Y*: 10.78%
• 10Y*: 10.96%

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

IXC vs. FDTS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXC iShares Global Energy ETF	29.17%	13.98%	1.95%	3.92%	48.51%	40.88%	-31.00%	12.67%	-14.85%	5.54%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	18.78%	51.17%	2.44%	10.96%	-15.34%	11.79%	12.90%	18.71%	-23.71%	36.01%

Correlation

The correlation between IXC and FDTS is 0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.07
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2012	0.33

Over the past year, the correlation between IXC and FDTS has dropped to 0.07 - well below their long-term average of 0.33, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IXC vs. FDTS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXC	FDTS
Energy	100.0%	4.0%
Basic Materials	-	11.3%
Communication Services	-	3.2%
Consumer Cyclical	-	18.9%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.7%
Financial Services	-	11.9%
Healthcare	-	2.8%
Industrials	-	22.2%
Real Estate	-	4.3%
Technology	-	14.1%
Utilities	-	2.7%

Return for Risk

IXC vs. FDTS — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXC

IXC Risk / Return Rank: 73
IXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
IXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IXC Omega Ratio Rank: 67
IXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
IXC Martin Ratio Rank: 71

FDTS

FDTS Risk / Return Rank: 79
FDTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

IXC vs. FDTS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). 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.

	IXC	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	2.37	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	3.15	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.42	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.05	3.43	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.55	11.78	-0.23

IXC vs. FDTS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXC Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the FDTS Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXC and FDTS, 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

IXC vs. FDTS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXC drawdown since its inception was -67.88%, which is greater than FDTS's maximum drawdown of -51.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXC and FDTS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXC	FDTS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.88%	-51.26%	-16.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.66%	-12.61%	+2.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.06%	-13.19%	-5.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.93%	-33.11%	+8.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.16%	-51.26%	-12.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.04%	-4.77%	-2.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.47%	-10.64%	-6.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	3.66%	-0.28%

Volatility

IXC vs. FDTS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) is 6.44%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) has a volatility of 8.44%. This indicates that IXC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDTS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXC	FDTS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.44%	8.44%	-2.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.63%	15.54%	+0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.79%	18.27%	+0.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.53%	29.42%	-5.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.84%	24.92%	+1.92%

IXC vs. FDTS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXC has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than FDTS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXC vs. FDTS - Dividend Comparison

IXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.85%, more than FDTS's 2.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	2.53%	2.94%	3.94%	2.90%	3.71%	3.01%	2.02%	2.30%	1.96%	2.08%	1.78%	1.73%
IXC iShares Global Energy ETF	2.85%	3.68%	4.56%	3.45%	4.76%	3.98%	4.86%	7.00%	3.51%	3.05%	2.86%	3.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXC and FDTS in my portfolio?

IXC and FDTS have a correlation of 0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IXC or FDTS?

FDTS has higher volatility (8.44%) compared to IXC (6.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXC dropped -67.88% vs FDTS's -51.26%.

Which ETF is better, IXC or FDTS?

On 10-year performance, FDTS leads with 10.96% vs 10.05% for IXC. On fees, IXC is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, IXC has been the lower-risk option at 6.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXC or FDTS?

Over the 10-year period, FDTS has performed better with a 10.96% return vs 10.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXC or FDTS?

IXC is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IXC or FDTS?

IXC has the higher dividend yield at 2.85%, compared with 2.53% for FDTS.

What is the main difference between IXC and FDTS?

IXC is categorized as Energy Equities, while FDTS is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. IXC tracks S&P Global 1200 Energy Capped Index, while FDTS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for IXC and 0.80% for FDTS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDTS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 2.08), 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.