OPTZ vs. FTDS

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

OPTZ (Optimize Strategy Index ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - OPTZ tracks the Optimize Strategy Index while FTDS tracks the Dividend Strength Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, OPTZ returned 57.85% vs 19.34% for FTDS. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. OPTZ charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

OPTZ vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ) 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, OPTZ achieves a 32.22% return, which is significantly higher than FTDS's 7.85% return.

OPTZ

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 6.74%
• YTD: 32.22%
• 6M: 29.46%
• 1Y: 57.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTDS

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 7.85%
• 6M: 6.60%
• 1Y: 19.34%
• 3Y*: 16.37%
• 5Y*: 6.66%
• 10Y*: 11.13%

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

OPTZ vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	32.22%	22.83%	16.41%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	7.85%	13.64%	5.76%

Correlation

The correlation between OPTZ and FTDS is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 23, 2024	0.59

The correlation between OPTZ and FTDS shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (1 year) to 0.59 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

OPTZ vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	OPTZ	FTDS
Technology	55.4%	9.4%
Healthcare	9.4%	9.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	3.4%
Industrials	8.2%	19.6%
Financial Services	8.0%	28.4%
Consumer Defensive	3.5%	1.8%
Communication Services	2.6%	-
Real Estate	1.4%	-
Energy	1.3%	19.6%
Basic Materials	1.1%	8.5%
Utilities	0.6%	-

Return for Risk

OPTZ vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

OPTZ

OPTZ Risk / Return Rank: 92
OPTZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
OPTZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
OPTZ Omega Ratio Rank: 89
OPTZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
OPTZ Martin Ratio Rank: 94

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 53
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 46
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

OPTZ vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ) 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.

	OPTZ	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.94	1.49	+1.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.78	2.24	+1.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.26	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.47	2.95	+2.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	23.91	7.52	+16.40

OPTZ vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current OPTZ Sharpe Ratio is 2.94, which is higher than the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of OPTZ 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.

Drawdowns

OPTZ vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum OPTZ drawdown since its inception was -25.75%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for OPTZ and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	OPTZ	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.75%	-56.53%	+30.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.63%	-6.57%	-4.06%
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	-3.46%	-3.29%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.36%	-9.85%	+6.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	2.58%	-0.15%

Volatility

OPTZ vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ) has a higher volatility of 9.72% compared to First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) at 3.14%. This indicates that OPTZ'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

	OPTZ	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.72%	3.14%	+6.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.06%	8.72%	+7.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.87%	13.02%	+6.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.27%	17.63%	+3.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.27%	20.13%	+1.14%

OPTZ vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

OPTZ has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

OPTZ vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

OPTZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, less than FTDS's 1.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.64%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	0.44%	0.58%	0.32%	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 OPTZ and FTDS in my portfolio?

OPTZ and FTDS have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, OPTZ or FTDS?

OPTZ has higher volatility (9.72%) compared to FTDS (3.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, OPTZ dropped -25.75% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, OPTZ or FTDS?

On 1-year performance, OPTZ leads with 57.85% vs 19.34% for FTDS. On fees, OPTZ is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, OPTZ or FTDS?

Over the 1-year period, OPTZ has performed better with a 57.85% return vs 19.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, OPTZ or FTDS?

OPTZ is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.64%, compared with 0.44% for OPTZ.

What is the main difference between OPTZ and FTDS?

OPTZ tracks Optimize Strategy Index, while FTDS tracks Dividend Strength Index. They also come from different issuers: Optimize and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for OPTZ and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

OPTZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 1.49), 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.