TDIV vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

TDIV (First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TDIV is a Technology Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, TDIV returned 18.79%/yr vs 10.67%/yr for VEA. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TDIV charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

TDIV vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TDIV achieves a 23.55% return, which is significantly higher than VEA's 16.08% return. Over the past 10 years, TDIV has outperformed VEA with an annualized return of 18.79%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively lower 10.67% annualized return.

TDIV

• 1D: 1.96%
• 1M: 6.70%
• YTD: 23.55%
• 6M: 23.56%
• 1Y: 40.67%
• 3Y*: 28.46%
• 5Y*: 18.13%
• 10Y*: 18.79%

VEA

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 4.79%
• YTD: 16.08%
• 6M: 17.35%
• 1Y: 32.96%
• 3Y*: 19.14%
• 5Y*: 9.87%
• 10Y*: 10.67%

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

TDIV vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TDIV First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund	23.55%	25.27%	24.43%	36.71%	-22.13%	29.49%	17.55%	33.27%	-3.18%	21.95%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.08%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between TDIV and VEA is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 14, 2012	0.74

The correlation between TDIV and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

TDIV vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TDIV	VEA
Technology	87.1%	13.8%
Communication Services	11.6%	3.4%
Industrials	1.3%	19.2%
Basic Materials	-	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.6%
Energy	-	5.4%
Financial Services	-	23.3%
Healthcare	-	8.2%
Real Estate	-	2.7%
Utilities	-	3.3%

Return for Risk

TDIV vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

TDIV

TDIV Risk / Return Rank: 69
TDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
TDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
TDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 66
TDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
TDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 66

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 67
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

TDIV vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	TDIV	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	2.00	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.74	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.36	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.60	2.85	+0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.83	10.96	-0.14

TDIV vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TDIV Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TDIV and VEA, 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

TDIV vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TDIV drawdown since its inception was -31.97%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TDIV and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	TDIV	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.97%	-60.68%	+28.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.35%	-11.63%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.00%	-13.45%	-9.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.97%	-29.71%	-2.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.97%	-35.73%	+3.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.08%	0.00%	-7.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.85%	-13.27%	+8.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.77%	3.01%	+0.76%

Volatility

TDIV vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) has a higher volatility of 10.01% compared to Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) at 6.92%. This indicates that TDIV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TDIV	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.01%	6.92%	+3.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.70%	14.42%	+1.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.77%	16.58%	+3.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.92%	16.73%	+4.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.98%	17.41%	+3.57%

TDIV vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

TDIV has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

TDIV vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

TDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, less than VEA's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TDIV First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund	1.18%	1.40%	1.59%	1.74%	2.51%	1.76%	2.07%	2.27%	2.97%	2.27%	2.45%	2.52%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.59%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TDIV and VEA in my portfolio?

TDIV and VEA have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TDIV or VEA?

TDIV has higher volatility (10.01%) compared to VEA (6.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TDIV dropped -31.97% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, TDIV or VEA?

On 10-year performance, TDIV leads with 18.79% vs 10.67% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 6.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TDIV or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, TDIV has performed better with a 18.79% return vs 10.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TDIV or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for TDIV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TDIV or VEA?

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 1.18% for TDIV.

What is the main difference between TDIV and VEA?

TDIV is categorized as Technology Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. TDIV tracks NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for TDIV and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TDIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 2.00), 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.