MCDS vs. FTDS

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

MCDS (JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. MCDS is actively managed, while FTDS is passively managed. Over the past year, MCDS returned 19.72% vs 19.33% for FTDS. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MCDS charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

MCDS vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) 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, MCDS achieves a 15.40% return, which is significantly higher than FTDS's 12.19% return.

MCDS

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 1.50%
• 6M: 11.46%
• YTD: 15.40%
• 1Y: 19.72%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTDS

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 2.58%
• 6M: 7.78%
• YTD: 12.19%
• 1Y: 19.33%
• 3Y*: 15.76%
• 5Y*: 7.91%
• 10Y*: 10.98%

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

MCDS vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	15.40%	6.51%	9.83%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	12.19%	13.64%	5.56%

Correlation

The correlation between MCDS and FTDS is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 2024	0.77

The correlation between MCDS and FTDS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

MCDS vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MCDS	FTDS
Technology	19.5%	9.4%
Industrials	18.3%	19.6%
Financial Services	13.0%	28.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	3.4%
Healthcare	9.1%	9.3%
Real Estate	6.9%	-
Energy	6.5%	19.6%
Utilities	6.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	1.8%
Basic Materials	3.9%	8.5%
Communication Services	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

MCDS vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

MCDS

MCDS Risk / Return Rank: 60
MCDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
MCDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
MCDS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
MCDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
MCDS Martin Ratio Rank: 68

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 59
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 53
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

MCDS vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) 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.

	MCDS	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	1.50	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.24	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.27	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	2.95	-0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.80	7.49	+2.31

MCDS vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MCDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is comparable to the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MCDS 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

MCDS vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCDS drawdown since its inception was -22.50%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCDS and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCDS	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.50%	-56.53%	+34.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.47%	-6.57%	-0.90%
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	-0.91%	0.00%	-0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.80%	-9.83%	+6.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.02%	2.59%	-0.57%

Volatility

MCDS vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) have volatilities of 3.57% and 3.44%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MCDS	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.57%	3.44%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.15%	8.18%	+1.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.50%	12.95%	+0.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.77%	17.59%	-0.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.77%	20.04%	-3.27%

MCDS vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCDS has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCDS vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

MCDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, less than FTDS's 1.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.57%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	1.04%	1.23%	0.64%	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 MCDS and FTDS in my portfolio?

MCDS and FTDS have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MCDS or FTDS?

MCDS has higher volatility (3.57%) compared to FTDS (3.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MCDS dropped -22.50% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, MCDS or FTDS?

On 1-year performance, MCDS leads with 19.72% vs 19.33% for FTDS. On fees, MCDS is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MCDS or FTDS?

Over the 1-year period, MCDS has performed better with a 19.72% return vs 19.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MCDS or FTDS?

MCDS is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.57%, compared with 1.04% for MCDS.

What is the main difference between MCDS and FTDS?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for MCDS and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.47), 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.