LDSF vs. FXAIX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

LDSF (First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF) and FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) are both funds - LDSF is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by First Trust, while FXAIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. LDSF is actively managed, while FXAIX is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LDSF returned 2.40%/yr vs 13.91%/yr for FXAIX. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LDSF charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for FXAIX.

Performance

LDSF vs. FXAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LDSF achieves a 0.84% return, which is significantly lower than FXAIX's 10.89% return.

LDSF

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 0.84%
• 6M: 1.21%
• 1Y: 4.84%
• 3Y*: 5.37%
• 5Y*: 2.40%
• 10Y*: —

FXAIX

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 4.17%
• YTD: 10.89%
• 6M: 10.80%
• 1Y: 28.02%
• 3Y*: 22.45%
• 5Y*: 13.91%
• 10Y*: 15.58%

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

LDSF vs. FXAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	0.84%	6.82%	4.20%	6.53%	-5.47%	-0.28%	2.48%	4.52%
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	10.89%	17.84%	25.01%	26.29%	-18.14%	28.71%	18.42%	29.24%

Correlation

The correlation between LDSF and FXAIX is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 8, 2019	0.26

The correlation between LDSF and FXAIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.26 (all time) to 0.44 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

LDSF vs. FXAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LDSF

LDSF Risk / Return Rank: 72
LDSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
LDSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
LDSF Omega Ratio Rank: 82
LDSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
LDSF Martin Ratio Rank: 66

FXAIX

FXAIX Risk / Return Rank: 66
FXAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FXAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FXAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
FXAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
FXAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

LDSF vs. FXAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). 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.

	LDSF	FXAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	2.37	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.63	3.24	+0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.43	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.79	3.17	-0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.88	14.80	-2.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LDSF vs. FXAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LDSF Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is comparable to the FXAIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LDSF and FXAIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	LDSF	FXAIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.38	2.37	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.83	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.87	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	0.82	-0.01

Drawdowns

LDSF vs. FXAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LDSF drawdown since its inception was -8.56%, smaller than the maximum FXAIX drawdown of -33.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LDSF and FXAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LDSF	FXAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.56%	-33.79%	+25.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.74%	-8.89%	+7.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.74%	-18.76%	+17.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.83%	-24.50%	+16.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.73%	+0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.46%	-3.79%	+2.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.41%	1.90%	-1.49%

Volatility

LDSF vs. FXAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) is 0.70%, while Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) has a volatility of 2.92%. This indicates that LDSF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FXAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LDSF	FXAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.70%	2.92%	-2.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.66%	8.99%	-7.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06%	11.88%	-9.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.08%	16.91%	-13.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.18%	18.07%	-14.89%

LDSF vs. FXAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

LDSF has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than FXAIX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

LDSF vs. FXAIX - Dividend Comparison

LDSF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.63%, more than FXAIX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	1.03%	1.11%	1.25%	1.45%	1.69%	1.22%	1.60%	2.06%	2.72%	1.97%	2.52%	2.83%
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	4.63%	4.52%	4.53%	4.08%	2.61%	1.97%	2.65%	3.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LDSF and FXAIX in my portfolio?

LDSF and FXAIX have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LDSF or FXAIX?

FXAIX has higher volatility (2.92%) compared to LDSF (0.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LDSF dropped -8.56% vs FXAIX's -33.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LDSF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 2.37), 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.