STXE vs. FTHF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

STXE (Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and FTHF (First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds - STXE tracks the Bloomberg US 1000 Dividend Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross while FTHF tracks the Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, STXE returned 75.87% vs 99.98% for FTHF. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. STXE charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTHF.

Performance

STXE vs. FTHF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) and First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STXE achieves a 44.03% return, which is significantly lower than FTHF's 48.98% return.

STXE

• 1D: -6.43%
• 1M: 6.24%
• YTD: 44.03%
• 6M: 45.98%
• 1Y: 75.87%
• 3Y*: 28.56%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTHF

• 1D: -6.80%
• 1M: 6.57%
• YTD: 48.98%
• 6M: 51.53%
• 1Y: 99.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STXE vs. FTHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	44.03%	34.23%	2.09%	15.68%
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	48.98%	65.30%	-8.14%	18.14%

Correlation

The correlation between STXE and FTHF is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2023	0.88

The correlation between STXE and FTHF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

STXE vs. FTHF — Risk / Return Rank

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

STXE

STXE Risk / Return Rank: 89
STXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
STXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
STXE Omega Ratio Rank: 89
STXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
STXE Martin Ratio Rank: 91

FTHF

FTHF Risk / Return Rank: 87
FTHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FTHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FTHF Omega Ratio Rank: 89
FTHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
FTHF Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

STXE vs. FTHF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) and First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF). 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.

	STXE	FTHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.86	2.79	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.40	3.22	+0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.52	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.26	6.16	-0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.32	16.85	+3.47

STXE vs. FTHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STXE Sharpe Ratio is 2.86, which is comparable to the FTHF Sharpe Ratio of 2.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STXE and FTHF, 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

STXE vs. FTHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STXE drawdown since its inception was -18.92%, which is greater than FTHF's maximum drawdown of -17.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STXE and FTHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	STXE	FTHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.92%	-17.36%	-1.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.51%	-16.31%	+1.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.92%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.43%	-6.80%	+0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.72%	-4.22%	+0.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.74%	5.95%	-2.21%

Volatility

STXE vs. FTHF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) is 15.52%, while First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) has a volatility of 17.38%. This indicates that STXE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTHF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STXE	FTHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.52%	17.38%	-1.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.95%	28.89%	-3.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.68%	36.06%	-9.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.08%	26.89%	-7.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.08%	26.89%	-7.81%

STXE vs. FTHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

STXE has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than FTHF's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

STXE vs. FTHF - Dividend Comparison

STXE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.87%, less than FTHF's 3.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	3.03%	4.40%	3.34%	0.51%
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	1.87%	2.66%	3.22%	1.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STXE and FTHF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, STXE and FTHF move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, STXE or FTHF?

FTHF has higher volatility (17.38%) compared to STXE (15.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STXE dropped -18.92% vs FTHF's -17.36%.

Which ETF is better, STXE or FTHF?

On 1-year performance, FTHF leads with 99.98% vs 75.87% for STXE. On fees, STXE is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, STXE has been the lower-risk option at 15.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STXE or FTHF?

Over the 1-year period, FTHF has performed better with a 99.98% return vs 75.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STXE or FTHF?

STXE is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTHF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STXE or FTHF?

FTHF has the higher dividend yield at 3.03%, compared with 1.87% for STXE.

What is the main difference between STXE and FTHF?

STXE tracks Bloomberg US 1000 Dividend Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while FTHF tracks Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index. They also come from different issuers: Strive and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for STXE and 0.75% for FTHF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.86 vs 2.79), 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.