MIDE vs. FTDS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MIDE (Xtrackers S&P MidCap 400 ESG ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - MIDE tracks the S&P MidCap 400 ESG Index while FTDS tracks the Dividend Strength Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MIDE returned 8.31%/yr vs 6.32%/yr for FTDS. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MIDE charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

MIDE vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers S&P MidCap 400 ESG ETF (MIDE) 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, MIDE achieves a 14.45% return, which is significantly higher than FTDS's 6.54% return.

MIDE

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 5.36%
• YTD: 14.45%
• 6M: 14.97%
• 1Y: 28.35%
• 3Y*: 16.42%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: —

FTDS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -2.16%
• YTD: 6.54%
• 6M: 6.72%
• 1Y: 18.40%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: 6.32%
• 10Y*: 10.75%

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

MIDE vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MIDE Xtrackers S&P MidCap 400 ESG ETF	14.45%	9.81%	11.21%	15.20%	-11.63%	11.77%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	6.54%	13.64%	11.12%	11.75%	-13.54%	11.00%

Correlation

The correlation between MIDE and FTDS is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2021	0.84

The correlation between MIDE and FTDS shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.84 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MIDE vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MIDE	FTDS
Industrials	23.3%	19.8%
Financial Services	16.8%	27.9%
Technology	13.9%	9.4%
Consumer Cyclical	12.1%	3.4%
Healthcare	9.9%	9.4%
Real Estate	8.8%	-
Energy	5.7%	20.2%
Basic Materials	3.7%	8.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	1.9%
Utilities	1.7%	-
Communication Services	0.9%	-

Return for Risk

MIDE vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

MIDE

MIDE Risk / Return Rank: 56
MIDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
MIDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
MIDE Omega Ratio Rank: 51
MIDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
MIDE Martin Ratio Rank: 61

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 45
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 39
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

MIDE vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers S&P MidCap 400 ESG ETF (MIDE) 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.

	MIDE	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	1.44	+0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.19	+0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.25	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.04	2.81	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.84	7.56	+3.28
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MIDE vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MIDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MIDE 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MIDE	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.80	1.44	+0.37
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	0.36	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.32	+0.15

Drawdowns

MIDE vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MIDE drawdown since its inception was -24.59%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MIDE and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MIDE	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.59%	-56.53%	+31.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.36%	-6.57%	-2.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.59%	-18.04%	-6.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.59%	-23.35%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	-4.46%	+4.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.50%	-9.87%	+3.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.62%	2.44%	+0.18%

Volatility

MIDE vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers S&P MidCap 400 ESG ETF (MIDE) has a higher volatility of 4.59% compared to First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) at 3.48%. This indicates that MIDE'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

	MIDE	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.59%	3.48%	+1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.41%	8.87%	+2.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.86%	12.92%	+2.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.71%	17.65%	+2.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.67%	20.14%	-0.47%

MIDE vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MIDE has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

MIDE vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

MIDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, 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%
MIDE Xtrackers S&P MidCap 400 ESG ETF	1.31%	1.52%	1.45%	1.36%	1.33%	0.93%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MIDE and FTDS in my portfolio?

MIDE and FTDS have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MIDE or FTDS?

MIDE has higher volatility (4.59%) compared to FTDS (3.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MIDE dropped -24.59% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, MIDE or FTDS?

On 5-year performance, MIDE leads with 8.31% vs 6.32% for FTDS. On fees, MIDE is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MIDE or FTDS?

Over the 5-year period, MIDE has performed better with a 8.31% return vs 6.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MIDE or FTDS?

MIDE is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.66%, compared with 1.31% for MIDE.

What is the main difference between MIDE and FTDS?

MIDE tracks S&P MidCap 400 ESG Index, while FTDS tracks Dividend Strength Index. They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for MIDE and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MIDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.80 vs 1.44), 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.