LST vs. FTDS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

LST (Leuthold Select Industries ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. LST is actively managed, while FTDS is passively managed. Over the past year, LST returned 33.41% vs 18.57% for FTDS. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LST charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

LST vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Leuthold Select Industries ETF (LST) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LST achieves a 15.69% return, which is significantly higher than FTDS's 6.18% return.

LST

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 15.69%
• 6M: 14.16%
• 1Y: 33.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTDS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: -1.13%
• YTD: 6.18%
• 6M: 4.93%
• 1Y: 18.57%
• 3Y*: 15.76%
• 5Y*: 6.66%
• 10Y*: 10.96%

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

LST vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
LST Leuthold Select Industries ETF	15.69%	15.31%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	6.18%	9.64%

Correlation

The correlation between LST and FTDS is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 21, 2025	0.59

The correlation between LST and FTDS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LST vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

LST

LST Risk / Return Rank: 70
LST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
LST Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
LST Omega Ratio Rank: 69
LST Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
LST Martin Ratio Rank: 71

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 46
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 40
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

LST vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Leuthold Select Industries ETF (LST) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). 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.

	LST	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.25	1.43	+0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	2.16	+0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.25	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.09	2.84	+0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.63	7.28	+5.36

LST vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LST Sharpe Ratio is 2.25, which is higher than the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LST and FTDS, 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

LST vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LST drawdown since its inception was -19.47%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LST and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	LST	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.47%	-56.53%	+37.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.85%	-6.57%	-4.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.04%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.35%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.69%	-4.79%	+3.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.88%	-9.85%	+6.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	2.56%	+0.09%

Volatility

LST vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

Leuthold Select Industries ETF (LST) has a higher volatility of 4.98% compared to First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) at 3.03%. This indicates that LST's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTDS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LST	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.98%	3.03%	+1.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.37%	8.66%	+3.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.94%	13.03%	+1.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.01%	17.63%	+0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.01%	20.15%	-2.14%

LST vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

LST has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

LST vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

LST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%, less than FTDS's 1.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.66%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%
LST Leuthold Select Industries ETF	1.16%	1.34%	0.00%	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 LST and FTDS in my portfolio?

LST and FTDS have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LST or FTDS?

LST has higher volatility (4.98%) compared to FTDS (3.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LST dropped -19.47% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, LST or FTDS?

On 1-year performance, LST leads with 33.41% vs 18.57% for FTDS. On fees, LST is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LST or FTDS?

Over the 1-year period, LST has performed better with a 33.41% return vs 18.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LST or FTDS?

LST is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, LST or FTDS?

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.66%, compared with 1.16% for LST.

What is the main difference between LST and FTDS?

They also come from different issuers: Leuthold Group and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for LST and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 1.43), 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.