NYM vs. FTDS

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

NYM (AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NYM is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while FTDS is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Dividend Strength Index. NYM is actively managed, while FTDS is passively managed. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NYM charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

NYM vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF (NYM) 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, NYM achieves a 1.46% return, which is significantly lower than FTDS's 13.28% return.

NYM

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.02%
• 6M: 1.07%
• YTD: 1.46%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTDS

• 1D: 2.03%
• 1M: 4.86%
• 6M: 7.42%
• YTD: 13.28%
• 1Y: 22.63%
• 3Y*: 16.03%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

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

NYM vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NYM AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF	1.46%	0.47%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	13.28%	3.62%

Correlation

The correlation between NYM and FTDS is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2025	0.09

Return for Risk

NYM vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

NYM

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 70
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 64
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

NYM vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF (NYM) 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.

	NYM	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.75	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.62	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.31	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.46	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	8.78	—

Drawdowns

NYM vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NYM drawdown since its inception was -1.76%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NYM and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	NYM	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.76%	-56.53%	+54.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.57%	—
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	-0.38%	0.00%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.38%	-9.83%	+9.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.58%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NYM	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.66%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.44%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.96%	12.95%	-10.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.96%	17.61%	-15.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.96%	20.04%	-18.08%

NYM vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

NYM has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

NYM vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

NYM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.98%, more than FTDS's 1.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.55%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%
NYM AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF	1.98%	0.49%	0.00%	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 NYM and FTDS in my portfolio?

NYM and FTDS have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NYM or FTDS?

On fees, NYM is cheaper at 0.27% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NYM or FTDS?

NYM is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

NYM has the higher dividend yield at 1.98%, compared with 1.55% for FTDS.

What is the main difference between NYM and FTDS?

NYM is categorized as Municipal Bonds, while FTDS is Mid Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for NYM and 0.70% for FTDS.