PIEQ vs. FDT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PIEQ (Principal International Equity ETF) and FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. PIEQ is actively managed, while FDT is passively managed. Over the past year, PIEQ returned 29.79% vs 54.27% for FDT. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PIEQ charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDT.

Performance

PIEQ vs. FDT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PIEQ achieves a 9.31% return, which is significantly lower than FDT's 26.09% return.

PIEQ

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: 2.59%
• YTD: 9.31%
• 6M: 10.51%
• 1Y: 29.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDT

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 2.82%
• YTD: 26.09%
• 6M: 26.12%
• 1Y: 54.27%
• 3Y*: 29.97%
• 5Y*: 13.51%
• 10Y*: 11.64%

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

PIEQ vs. FDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PIEQ Principal International Equity ETF	9.31%	38.10%	-2.98%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	26.09%	52.21%	-3.65%

Correlation

The correlation between PIEQ and FDT is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2024	0.77

The correlation between PIEQ and FDT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PIEQ vs. FDT — Risk / Return Rank

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

PIEQ

PIEQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
PIEQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
PIEQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
PIEQ Omega Ratio Rank: 55
PIEQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
PIEQ Martin Ratio Rank: 68

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 84
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
FDT Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

PIEQ vs. FDT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). 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.

	PIEQ	FDT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.77	-0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	3.53	-1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.50	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	4.07	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.26	15.38	-3.12

PIEQ vs. FDT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PIEQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is lower than the FDT Sharpe Ratio of 2.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PIEQ and FDT, 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

PIEQ vs. FDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PIEQ drawdown since its inception was -15.17%, smaller than the maximum FDT drawdown of -46.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PIEQ and FDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	PIEQ	FDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.17%	-46.10%	+30.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.53%	-13.41%	+3.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.29%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.80%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.56%	-1.13%	-0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.94%	-10.75%	+8.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	3.54%	-1.10%

Volatility

PIEQ vs. FDT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) is 6.66%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) has a volatility of 8.64%. This indicates that PIEQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PIEQ	FDT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.66%	8.64%	-1.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.64%	17.40%	-2.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.74%	19.71%	-2.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.69%	18.47%	-0.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.69%	18.62%	-0.93%

PIEQ vs. FDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

PIEQ has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is lower than FDT's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

PIEQ vs. FDT - Dividend Comparison

PIEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, less than FDT's 2.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	2.82%	3.27%	3.89%	4.36%	2.29%	3.80%	2.42%	2.78%	2.13%	1.57%	1.76%	1.83%
PIEQ Principal International Equity ETF	1.17%	1.28%	0.10%	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 PIEQ and FDT in my portfolio?

PIEQ and FDT have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PIEQ or FDT?

FDT has higher volatility (8.64%) compared to PIEQ (6.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PIEQ dropped -15.17% vs FDT's -46.10%.

Which ETF is better, PIEQ or FDT?

On 1-year performance, FDT leads with 54.27% vs 29.79% for PIEQ. On fees, PIEQ is cheaper at 0.48% per year. On volatility, PIEQ has been the lower-risk option at 6.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PIEQ or FDT?

Over the 1-year period, FDT has performed better with a 54.27% return vs 29.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PIEQ or FDT?

PIEQ is cheaper with a 0.48% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PIEQ or FDT?

FDT has the higher dividend yield at 2.82%, compared with 1.17% for PIEQ.

What is the main difference between PIEQ and FDT?

They also come from different issuers: Principal and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for PIEQ and 0.80% for FDT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.77 vs 1.79), 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.