NEWZ vs. FTDS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NEWZ (StockSnips AI-Powered Sentiment US All Cap ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. NEWZ is actively managed, while FTDS is passively managed. Over the past year, NEWZ returned 3.21% vs 18.40% for FTDS. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NEWZ charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

NEWZ vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in StockSnips AI-Powered Sentiment US All Cap ETF (NEWZ) 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, NEWZ achieves a 7.39% return, which is significantly higher than FTDS's 6.54% return.

NEWZ

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 7.39%
• 6M: 6.29%
• 1Y: 3.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

NEWZ vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NEWZ StockSnips AI-Powered Sentiment US All Cap ETF	7.39%	-4.08%	15.16%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	6.54%	13.64%	5.73%

Correlation

The correlation between NEWZ and FTDS is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 15, 2024	0.57

The correlation between NEWZ and FTDS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

NEWZ vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NEWZ	FTDS
Healthcare	17.7%	9.4%
Financial Services	16.2%	27.9%
Technology	12.7%	9.4%
Communication Services	10.1%	-
Industrials	10.0%	19.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.2%	3.4%
Energy	7.4%	20.2%
Real Estate	6.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	1.9%
Utilities	3.3%	-
Basic Materials	3.3%	8.0%

Return for Risk

NEWZ vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

NEWZ

NEWZ Risk / Return Rank: 13
NEWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
NEWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
NEWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 12
NEWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
NEWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

NEWZ vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for StockSnips AI-Powered Sentiment US All Cap ETF (NEWZ) 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.

	NEWZ	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.24	1.44	-1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.43	2.19	-1.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.25	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.30	2.81	-2.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.83	7.56	-6.73
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NEWZ vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NEWZ Sharpe Ratio is 0.24, which is lower than the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NEWZ 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

	NEWZ	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24	1.44	-1.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.32	+0.22

Drawdowns

NEWZ vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NEWZ drawdown since its inception was -19.40%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NEWZ and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	NEWZ	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.40%	-56.53%	+37.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.82%	-6.57%	-4.25%
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	-3.45%	-4.46%	+1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.34%	-9.87%	+4.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.86%	2.44%	+1.42%

Volatility

NEWZ vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

StockSnips AI-Powered Sentiment US All Cap ETF (NEWZ) has a higher volatility of 3.71% compared to First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) at 3.48%. This indicates that NEWZ'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

	NEWZ	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.71%	3.48%	+0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.78%	8.87%	-0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.71%	12.92%	+0.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.71%	17.65%	-1.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.71%	20.14%	-4.43%

NEWZ vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

NEWZ has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

NEWZ vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

NEWZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, 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%
NEWZ StockSnips AI-Powered Sentiment US All Cap ETF	0.10%	0.27%	0.18%	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 NEWZ and FTDS in my portfolio?

NEWZ and FTDS have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NEWZ or FTDS?

NEWZ has higher volatility (3.71%) compared to FTDS (3.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NEWZ dropped -19.40% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, NEWZ or FTDS?

On 1-year performance, FTDS leads with 18.40% vs 3.21% for NEWZ. On fees, FTDS is cheaper at 0.70% 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, NEWZ or FTDS?

Over the 1-year period, FTDS has performed better with a 18.40% return vs 3.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NEWZ or FTDS?

FTDS is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for NEWZ.

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

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.66%, compared with 0.10% for NEWZ.

What is the main difference between NEWZ and FTDS?

They also come from different issuers: StockSnips and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for NEWZ and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 0.24), 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.