MFDX vs. FID

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

MFDX (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF) and FID (First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - MFDX tracks the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index while FID tracks the S&P International Dividend Aristocrats Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MFDX returned 10.45%/yr vs 9.22%/yr for FID. Their 0.79 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. MFDX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FID.

Performance

MFDX vs. FID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) and First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFDX achieves a 10.18% return, which is significantly lower than FID's 12.00% return.

MFDX

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 0.37%
• 6M: 4.44%
• YTD: 10.18%
• 1Y: 22.36%
• 3Y*: 17.13%
• 5Y*: 10.45%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.77%

FID

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 4.74%
• 6M: 6.98%
• YTD: 12.00%
• 1Y: 22.36%
• 3Y*: 17.85%
• 5Y*: 9.22%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 7.76%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FID First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF	$225.23K	$253.81K	$348.67K
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	$1.14M	$830.75K	$740.34K

MFDX vs. FID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	10.18%	34.27%	4.40%	17.54%	-10.27%	11.07%	6.90%	19.88%	-13.17%
FID First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF	12.00%	32.07%	5.42%	9.92%	-9.69%	12.90%	-7.56%	20.82%	-7.38%

Correlation

The correlation between MFDX and FID is 0.82, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2018	0.79

The correlation between MFDX and FID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

MFDX vs. FID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MFDX	FID
Industrials	19.0%	12.8%
Financial Services	15.3%	20.5%
Technology	10.6%	6.2%
Basic Materials	10.2%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	8.6%	3.7%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	4.0%
Healthcare	6.9%	3.5%
Energy	6.4%	7.9%
Communication Services	6.3%	10.7%
Utilities	6.3%	16.9%
Real Estate	2.3%	9.4%

Return for Risk

MFDX vs. FID — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

MFDX

MFDX Risk / Return Rank: 67
MFDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
MFDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
MFDX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
MFDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
MFDX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

FID

FID Risk / Return Rank: 82
FID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FID Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
FID Omega Ratio Rank: 88
FID Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FID Martin Ratio Rank: 69

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

MFDX vs. FID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) and First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID). 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.

	MFDX	FID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	2.20	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	3.09	-0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.40	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	2.50	-0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.19	8.46	-0.26

MFDX vs. FID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the FID Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFDX and FID, 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

MFDX vs. FID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFDX drawdown since its inception was -36.05%, smaller than the maximum FID drawdown of -39.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFDX and FID.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFDX	FID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.05%	-39.79%	+3.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.66%	-8.93%	-1.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.62%	-9.61%	-2.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.58%	-29.13%	+3.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.44%	-0.73%	-0.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.42%	-8.33%	+1.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.64%	+0.15%

Volatility

MFDX vs. FID - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) has a higher volatility of 4.45% compared to First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) at 2.53%. This indicates that MFDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FID based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFDX	FID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.45%	2.53%	+1.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.48%	8.52%	+3.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.44%	10.17%	+4.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.10%	17.02%	-1.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.40%	18.82%	-2.42%

MFDX vs. FID - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFDX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than FID's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFDX vs. FID - Dividend Comparison

MFDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.91%, less than FID's 4.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FID First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF	4.05%	4.30%	4.31%	4.19%	4.22%	3.76%	3.91%	3.70%	1.74%	0.00%
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	2.91%	2.97%	3.16%	3.12%	2.85%	2.99%	1.58%	2.88%	2.13%	0.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFDX and FID in my portfolio?

MFDX and FID have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MFDX or FID?

MFDX has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to FID (2.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFDX dropped -36.05% vs FID's -39.79%.

Which ETF is better, MFDX or FID?

On 5-year performance, MFDX leads with 10.45% vs 9.22% for FID. On fees, MFDX is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, FID has been the lower-risk option at 2.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MFDX or FID?

Over the 5-year period, MFDX has performed better with a 10.45% return vs 9.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFDX or FID?

MFDX is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FID.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MFDX or FID?

FID has the higher dividend yield at 4.05%, compared with 2.91% for MFDX.

What is the main difference between MFDX and FID?

MFDX tracks RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index, while FID tracks S&P International Dividend Aristocrats Index. They also come from different issuers: PIMCO and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for MFDX and 0.60% for FID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.59), 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.