SAEF vs. FTDS

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. SAEF is actively managed, while FTDS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SAEF returned 14.01%/yr vs 16.73%/yr for FTDS. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SAEF charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

SAEF vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) 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, SAEF achieves a 10.43% return, which is significantly higher than FTDS's 7.45% return.

SAEF

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 2.40%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 12.71%
• 1Y: 24.52%
• 3Y*: 14.01%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTDS

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: -1.71%
• YTD: 7.45%
• 6M: 7.32%
• 1Y: 19.84%
• 3Y*: 16.73%
• 5Y*: 6.50%
• 10Y*: 10.84%

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

SAEF vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	10.43%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-18.29%	-2.35%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	7.45%	13.64%	11.12%	11.75%	-13.54%	-2.76%

Correlation

The correlation between SAEF and FTDS is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2021	0.82

The correlation between SAEF and FTDS shifts across timeframes, from 0.68 (1 year) to 0.82 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SAEF vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAEF	FTDS
Consumer Cyclical	22.6%	3.4%
Industrials	20.3%	19.8%
Financial Services	15.0%	27.9%
Technology	14.7%	9.4%
Healthcare	10.0%	9.4%
Communication Services	7.5%	-
Real Estate	4.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	1.9%
Basic Materials	2.3%	8.0%
Energy	-	20.2%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SAEF vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 37
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 35
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 35

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 49
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 43
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

SAEF vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) 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.

	SAEF	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.55	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.95	2.34	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.27	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	3.03	-1.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.20	8.12	-2.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SAEF vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAEF 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

	SAEF	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.31	1.55	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.37	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.22	0.32	-0.10

Drawdowns

SAEF vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAEF drawdown since its inception was -28.05%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAEF and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAEF	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.05%	-56.53%	+28.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	-6.57%	-6.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.40%	-18.04%	-9.36%
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	-0.36%	-3.65%	+3.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.38%	-9.87%	-0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.73%	2.45%	+2.28%

Volatility

SAEF vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) has a higher volatility of 4.93% compared to First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) at 3.58%. This indicates that SAEF'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

	SAEF	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.93%	3.58%	+1.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.99%	8.90%	+5.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.77%	12.90%	+5.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.39%	17.65%	+3.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.39%	20.14%	+1.25%

SAEF vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAEF has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAEF vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

SAEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, 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%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.34%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAEF and FTDS in my portfolio?

SAEF and FTDS have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAEF or FTDS?

SAEF has higher volatility (4.93%) compared to FTDS (3.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAEF dropped -28.05% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, SAEF or FTDS?

On 3-year performance, FTDS leads with 16.73% vs 14.01% for SAEF. On fees, SAEF is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAEF or FTDS?

Over the 3-year period, FTDS has performed better with a 16.73% return vs 14.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAEF or FTDS?

SAEF is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.64%, compared with 0.34% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SAEF and FTDS?

They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SAEF and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 1.31), 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.