RDVI vs. TDEC

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

RDVI (FT Cboe Vest Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF) and TDEC (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December) are both exchange-traded funds - RDVI is a Derivative Income fund tracking the NASDAQ US Rising Dividend Achievers, while TDEC is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, RDVI returned 27.86% vs 18.47% for TDEC. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RDVI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for TDEC.

Performance

RDVI vs. TDEC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Cboe Vest Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF (RDVI) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RDVI achieves a 13.85% return, which is significantly higher than TDEC's 7.78% return.

RDVI

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 5.10%
• YTD: 13.85%
• 6M: 12.01%
• 1Y: 27.86%
• 3Y*: 20.36%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TDEC

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 0.03%
• YTD: 7.78%
• 6M: 8.71%
• 1Y: 18.47%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RDVI vs. TDEC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RDVI FT Cboe Vest Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF	13.85%	17.93%	-0.12%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	7.78%	21.39%	-0.75%

Correlation

The correlation between RDVI and TDEC is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2024	0.56

The correlation between RDVI and TDEC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RDVI vs. TDEC — Risk / Return Rank

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

RDVI

RDVI Risk / Return Rank: 73
RDVI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
RDVI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
RDVI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
RDVI Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
RDVI Martin Ratio Rank: 80

TDEC

TDEC Risk / Return Rank: 62
TDEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
TDEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
TDEC Omega Ratio Rank: 76
TDEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
TDEC 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.

RDVI vs. TDEC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Cboe Vest Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF (RDVI) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC). 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.

	RDVI	TDEC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	1.75	+0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.92	2.41	+0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.39	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.30	2.27	+1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.91	9.79	+4.12

RDVI vs. TDEC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RDVI Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the TDEC Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RDVI and TDEC, 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

RDVI vs. TDEC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RDVI drawdown since its inception was -18.35%, which is greater than TDEC's maximum drawdown of -10.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RDVI and TDEC.

Drawdown Indicators

	RDVI	TDEC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.35%	-10.30%	-8.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.48%	-8.16%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.35%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-2.02%	+1.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.13%	-1.05%	-2.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	1.89%	+0.12%

Volatility

RDVI vs. TDEC - Volatility Comparison

FT Cboe Vest Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF (RDVI) has a higher volatility of 4.91% compared to FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) at 4.52%. This indicates that RDVI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TDEC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RDVI	TDEC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.91%	4.52%	+0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.11%	9.98%	+1.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.79%	10.70%	+3.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.95%	12.02%	+4.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.95%	12.02%	+4.93%

RDVI vs. TDEC - Expense Ratio Comparison

RDVI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than TDEC's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

RDVI vs. TDEC - Dividend Comparison

RDVI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.63%, while TDEC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
RDVI FT Cboe Vest Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF	7.63%	8.10%	8.62%	8.45%	1.53%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RDVI and TDEC in my portfolio?

RDVI and TDEC have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RDVI or TDEC?

RDVI has higher volatility (4.91%) compared to TDEC (4.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RDVI dropped -18.35% vs TDEC's -10.30%.

Which ETF is better, RDVI or TDEC?

On 1-year performance, RDVI leads with 27.86% vs 18.47% for TDEC. On fees, RDVI is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, TDEC has been the lower-risk option at 4.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RDVI or TDEC?

Over the 1-year period, RDVI has performed better with a 27.86% return vs 18.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RDVI or TDEC?

RDVI is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TDEC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RDVI or TDEC?

RDVI has the higher dividend yield at 7.63%, compared with 0.00% for TDEC.

What is the main difference between RDVI and TDEC?

RDVI is categorized as Derivative Income, while TDEC is Defined Outcome. RDVI tracks NASDAQ US Rising Dividend Achievers, while TDEC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for RDVI and 0.95% for TDEC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RDVI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.75), 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.