MKOR vs. FDTS

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

MKOR (Matthews Korea Active ETF) and FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - MKOR is a Asia Pacific Equities fund actively managed by Matthews, while FDTS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. MKOR is actively managed, while FDTS is passively managed. Over the past year, MKOR returned 166.41% vs 44.72% for FDTS. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MKOR charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDTS.

Performance

MKOR vs. FDTS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MKOR achieves a 94.74% return, which is significantly higher than FDTS's 18.78% return.

MKOR

• 1D: 1.84%
• 1M: 12.24%
• YTD: 94.74%
• 6M: 106.59%
• 1Y: 166.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDTS

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -2.15%
• YTD: 18.78%
• 6M: 20.77%
• 1Y: 44.72%
• 3Y*: 24.70%
• 5Y*: 10.78%
• 10Y*: 10.96%

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

MKOR vs. FDTS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF	94.74%	70.33%	-15.76%	-2.52%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	18.78%	51.17%	2.44%	2.66%

Correlation

The correlation between MKOR and FDTS 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2023	0.65

The correlation between MKOR and FDTS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

MKOR vs. FDTS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MKOR	FDTS
Technology	51.7%	14.1%
Industrials	15.0%	22.2%
Financial Services	9.6%	11.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.0%	18.9%
Communication Services	2.3%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	1.7%	4.7%
Basic Materials	1.5%	11.3%
Healthcare	1.4%	2.8%
Energy	0.7%	4.0%
Utilities	0.6%	2.7%
Real Estate	-	4.3%

Return for Risk

MKOR vs. FDTS — Risk / Return Rank

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

MKOR

MKOR Risk / Return Rank: 95
MKOR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
MKOR Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
MKOR Omega Ratio Rank: 94
MKOR Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
MKOR Martin Ratio Rank: 96

FDTS

FDTS Risk / Return Rank: 79
FDTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

MKOR vs. FDTS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). 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.

	MKOR	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.08	2.37	+1.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.11	3.15	+0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.59	1.42	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.91	3.43	+4.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	29.09	11.78	+17.32

MKOR vs. FDTS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MKOR Sharpe Ratio is 4.08, which is higher than the FDTS Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MKOR and FDTS, 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

MKOR vs. FDTS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MKOR drawdown since its inception was -22.09%, smaller than the maximum FDTS drawdown of -51.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MKOR and FDTS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MKOR	FDTS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.09%	-51.26%	+29.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.62%	-12.61%	-8.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.19%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.11%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.32%	-4.77%	+1.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.30%	-10.64%	+4.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.60%	3.66%	+1.94%

Volatility

MKOR vs. FDTS - Volatility Comparison

Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) has a higher volatility of 20.42% compared to First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) at 8.44%. This indicates that MKOR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDTS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MKOR	FDTS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.42%	8.44%	+11.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.74%	15.54%	+21.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.06%	18.27%	+21.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.39%	29.42%	-1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.39%	24.92%	+3.47%

MKOR vs. FDTS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MKOR has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than FDTS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

MKOR vs. FDTS - Dividend Comparison

MKOR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than FDTS's 2.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	2.53%	2.94%	3.94%	2.90%	3.71%	3.01%	2.02%	2.30%	1.96%	2.08%	1.78%	1.73%
MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF	1.35%	2.62%	5.28%	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 MKOR and FDTS in my portfolio?

MKOR and FDTS 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, MKOR or FDTS?

MKOR has higher volatility (20.42%) compared to FDTS (8.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MKOR dropped -22.09% vs FDTS's -51.26%.

Which ETF is better, MKOR or FDTS?

On 1-year performance, MKOR leads with 166.41% vs 44.72% for FDTS. On fees, MKOR is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, FDTS has been the lower-risk option at 8.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MKOR or FDTS?

Over the 1-year period, MKOR has performed better with a 166.41% return vs 44.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MKOR or FDTS?

MKOR is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MKOR or FDTS?

FDTS has the higher dividend yield at 2.53%, compared with 1.35% for MKOR.

What is the main difference between MKOR and FDTS?

MKOR is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while FDTS is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Matthews and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for MKOR and 0.80% for FDTS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MKOR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.08 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.