QIDX vs. FTDS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QIDX (Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. QIDX is actively managed, while FTDS is passively managed. Over the past year, QIDX returned 11.10% vs 18.40% for FTDS. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QIDX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

QIDX vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF (QIDX) 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, QIDX achieves a 6.98% return, which is significantly higher than FTDS's 6.54% return.

QIDX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 6.98%
• 6M: 6.58%
• 1Y: 11.10%
• 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)

QIDX vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QIDX Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF	6.98%	8.16%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	6.54%	14.07%

Correlation

The correlation between QIDX and FTDS is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2025	0.75

The correlation between QIDX and FTDS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QIDX vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

QIDX

QIDX Risk / Return Rank: 31
QIDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
QIDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
QIDX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
QIDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
QIDX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

QIDX vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF (QIDX) 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.

	QIDX	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.02	1.44	-0.42
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.52	2.19	-0.67
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.25	-0.08
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.61	2.81	-1.20
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.31	7.56	-2.25
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QIDX vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QIDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.02, which is comparable to the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QIDX 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

	QIDX	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.02	1.44	-0.42
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	0.75	0.32	+0.43

Drawdowns

QIDX vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QIDX drawdown since its inception was -14.99%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QIDX and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	QIDX	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.99%	-56.53%	+41.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.92%	-6.57%	-0.35%
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	-0.44%	-4.46%	+4.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.30%	-9.87%	+7.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.10%	2.44%	-0.34%

Volatility

QIDX vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF (QIDX) is 2.87%, while First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) has a volatility of 3.48%. This indicates that QIDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTDS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QIDX	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.87%	3.48%	-0.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.31%	8.87%	-0.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.98%	12.92%	-1.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.60%	17.65%	-3.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.60%	20.14%	-5.54%

QIDX vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

QIDX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

QIDX vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

QIDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.86%, 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%
QIDX Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF	0.86%	0.84%	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 QIDX and FTDS in my portfolio?

QIDX and FTDS have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QIDX or FTDS?

FTDS has higher volatility (3.48%) compared to QIDX (2.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QIDX dropped -14.99% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, QIDX or FTDS?

On 1-year performance, FTDS leads with 18.40% vs 11.10% for QIDX. On fees, QIDX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, QIDX has been the lower-risk option at 2.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QIDX or FTDS?

Over the 1-year period, FTDS has performed better with a 18.40% return vs 11.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QIDX or FTDS?

QIDX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.66%, compared with 0.86% for QIDX.

What is the main difference between QIDX and FTDS?

They also come from different issuers: Indexperts and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for QIDX and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.02), 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.