SAGP vs. FGD

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

SAGP (Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF) and FGD (First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund) are both Global Equities funds. SAGP is actively managed, while FGD is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SAGP returned 15.15%/yr vs 22.97%/yr for FGD. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SAGP charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for FGD.

Performance

SAGP vs. FGD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF (SAGP) and First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAGP achieves a 3.74% return, which is significantly lower than FGD's 12.52% return.

SAGP

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 3.74%
• 6M: 6.16%
• 1Y: 15.69%
• 3Y*: 15.15%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FGD

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 1.04%
• YTD: 12.52%
• 6M: 13.94%
• 1Y: 34.97%
• 3Y*: 22.97%
• 5Y*: 10.76%
• 10Y*: 9.93%

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

SAGP vs. FGD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SAGP Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF	3.74%	23.02%	12.03%	11.26%	-4.65%
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	12.52%	44.42%	5.71%	8.20%	-9.13%

Correlation

The correlation between SAGP and FGD 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2022	0.74

The correlation between SAGP and FGD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAGP vs. FGD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAGP	FGD
Healthcare	17.8%	-
Industrials	16.8%	14.3%
Technology	15.2%	1.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.1%	8.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	9.2%
Financial Services	5.8%	33.6%
Communication Services	5.3%	9.3%
Basic Materials	2.6%	6.4%
Energy	2.1%	10.0%
Real Estate	0.3%	2.4%
Utilities	-	4.9%

Return for Risk

SAGP vs. FGD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAGP

SAGP Risk / Return Rank: 33
SAGP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
SAGP Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
SAGP Omega Ratio Rank: 31
SAGP Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SAGP Martin Ratio Rank: 33

FGD

FGD Risk / Return Rank: 79
FGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
FGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FGD Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FGD Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

SAGP vs. FGD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF (SAGP) and First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD). 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.

	SAGP	FGD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	2.81	-1.60
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	3.78	-2.00
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.51	-0.30
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.76	3.68	-1.92
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.10	13.02	-7.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SAGP vs. FGD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAGP Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is lower than the FGD Sharpe Ratio of 2.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAGP and FGD, 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

	SAGP	FGD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.22	2.81	-1.60
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.73	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.26	+0.39

Drawdowns

SAGP vs. FGD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAGP drawdown since its inception was -22.90%, smaller than the maximum FGD drawdown of -68.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAGP and FGD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAGP	FGD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.90%	-68.05%	+45.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-9.82%	+0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.52%	-11.50%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.68%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.59%	-0.79%	-3.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.03%	-12.57%	+7.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	2.78%	+0.30%

Volatility

SAGP vs. FGD - Volatility Comparison

Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF (SAGP) and First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) have volatilities of 3.20% and 3.22%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAGP	FGD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.20%	3.22%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.88%	9.64%	+0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.96%	12.51%	+0.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.53%	14.91%	+0.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.53%	18.23%	-2.70%

SAGP vs. FGD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAGP has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than FGD's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAGP vs. FGD - Dividend Comparison

SAGP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.33%, less than FGD's 5.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	5.03%	5.62%	5.87%	6.44%	5.74%	5.35%	6.17%	5.19%	5.88%	4.01%	4.36%	5.07%
SAGP Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF	3.33%	3.45%	2.23%	0.94%	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAGP and FGD in my portfolio?

SAGP and FGD 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, SAGP or FGD?

FGD has higher volatility (3.22%) compared to SAGP (3.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAGP dropped -22.90% vs FGD's -68.05%.

Which ETF is better, SAGP or FGD?

On 3-year performance, FGD leads with 22.97% vs 15.15% for SAGP. On fees, FGD is cheaper at 0.59% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAGP or FGD?

Over the 3-year period, FGD has performed better with a 22.97% return vs 15.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAGP or FGD?

FGD is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for SAGP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SAGP or FGD?

FGD has the higher dividend yield at 5.03%, compared with 3.33% for SAGP.

What is the main difference between SAGP and FGD?

They also come from different issuers: Strategas and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SAGP and 0.59% for FGD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.81 vs 1.22), 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.