SEIE vs. FDT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SEIE (SEI Select International Equity ETF) and FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. SEIE is actively managed, while FDT is passively managed. Over the past year, SEIE returned 26.00% vs 46.20% for FDT. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEIE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDT.

Performance

SEIE vs. FDT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Select International Equity ETF (SEIE) 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, SEIE achieves a 8.76% return, which is significantly lower than FDT's 20.49% return.

SEIE

• 1D: -1.57%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 8.76%
• 6M: 8.67%
• 1Y: 26.00%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDT

• 1D: -4.44%
• 1M: -1.74%
• YTD: 20.49%
• 6M: 19.93%
• 1Y: 46.20%
• 3Y*: 28.02%
• 5Y*: 12.26%
• 10Y*: 11.13%

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

SEIE vs. FDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SEIE SEI Select International Equity ETF	8.76%	39.84%	-4.80%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	20.49%	52.21%	-3.70%

Correlation

The correlation between SEIE and FDT is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2024	0.81

The correlation between SEIE and FDT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SEIE vs. FDT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEIE

SEIE Risk / Return Rank: 53
SEIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SEIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SEIE Omega Ratio Rank: 55
SEIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
SEIE Martin Ratio Rank: 52

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 73
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 76
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FDT Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

SEIE vs. FDT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Select International Equity ETF (SEIE) 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.

	SEIE	FDT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	2.30	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.95	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.42	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	3.46	-1.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.14	13.03	-4.89

SEIE vs. FDT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEIE Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the FDT Sharpe Ratio of 2.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEIE 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

SEIE vs. FDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEIE drawdown since its inception was -13.59%, smaller than the maximum FDT drawdown of -46.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEIE and FDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEIE	FDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.59%	-46.10%	+32.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.33%	-13.41%	+1.08%
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	-1.57%	-5.52%	+3.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.13%	-10.75%	+8.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	3.56%	-0.36%

Volatility

SEIE vs. FDT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Select International Equity ETF (SEIE) is 4.74%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) has a volatility of 9.79%. This indicates that SEIE 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

	SEIE	FDT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.74%	9.79%	-5.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.79%	18.03%	-5.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.13%	20.21%	-5.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.51%	18.58%	-2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.51%	18.54%	-2.03%

SEIE vs. FDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEIE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FDT's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEIE vs. FDT - Dividend Comparison

SEIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.30%, less than FDT's 2.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	2.96%	3.27%	3.89%	4.36%	2.29%	3.80%	2.42%	2.78%	2.13%	1.57%	1.76%	1.83%
SEIE SEI Select International Equity ETF	2.30%	2.29%	0.17%	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 SEIE and FDT in my portfolio?

SEIE and FDT have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEIE or FDT?

FDT has higher volatility (9.79%) compared to SEIE (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEIE dropped -13.59% vs FDT's -46.10%.

Which ETF is better, SEIE or FDT?

On 1-year performance, FDT leads with 46.20% vs 26.00% for SEIE. On fees, SEIE is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SEIE has been the lower-risk option at 4.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEIE or FDT?

Over the 1-year period, FDT has performed better with a 46.20% return vs 26.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEIE or FDT?

SEIE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDT.

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

FDT has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 2.30% for SEIE.

What is the main difference between SEIE and FDT?

They also come from different issuers: SEI and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SEIE and 0.80% for FDT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.73), 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.