THNQ vs. FDTS

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

THNQ (ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF) and FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - THNQ is a Technology Equities fund tracking the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index, while FDTS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, THNQ returned 15.90%/yr vs 10.78%/yr for FDTS. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. THNQ charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDTS.

Performance

THNQ vs. FDTS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, THNQ achieves a 35.69% return, which is significantly higher than FDTS's 18.78% return.

THNQ

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: 7.14%
• YTD: 35.69%
• 6M: 34.00%
• 1Y: 67.55%
• 3Y*: 33.39%
• 5Y*: 15.90%
• 10Y*: —

FDTS

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -3.79%
• YTD: 18.78%
• 6M: 20.77%
• 1Y: 44.72%
• 3Y*: 24.70%
• 5Y*: 10.78%
• 10Y*: 10.96%

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

THNQ vs. FDTS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
THNQ ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF	35.69%	29.83%	18.82%	56.81%	-39.84%	9.10%	60.92%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	18.78%	51.17%	2.44%	10.96%	-15.34%	11.79%	43.86%

Correlation

The correlation between THNQ and FDTS is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2020	0.47

The correlation between THNQ and FDTS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

THNQ vs. FDTS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	THNQ	FDTS
Technology	74.2%	14.1%
Communication Services	10.5%	3.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	18.9%
Healthcare	5.2%	2.8%
Financial Services	1.4%	11.9%
Industrials	0.8%	22.2%
Real Estate	0.7%	4.3%
Basic Materials	-	11.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.7%
Energy	-	4.0%
Utilities	-	2.7%

Return for Risk

THNQ vs. FDTS — Risk / Return Rank

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

THNQ

THNQ Risk / Return Rank: 75
THNQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
THNQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
THNQ Omega Ratio Rank: 72
THNQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
THNQ Martin Ratio Rank: 70

FDTS

FDTS Risk / Return Rank: 79
FDTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

THNQ vs. FDTS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). 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.

	THNQ	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	2.37	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	3.15	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.42	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.51	3.43	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.22	11.78	-0.56

THNQ vs. FDTS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current THNQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is comparable to the FDTS Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of THNQ and FDTS, 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

THNQ vs. FDTS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum THNQ drawdown since its inception was -50.56%, roughly equal to the maximum FDTS drawdown of -51.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for THNQ and FDTS.

Drawdown Indicators

	THNQ	FDTS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.56%	-51.26%	+0.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.39%	-12.61%	-5.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.88%	-13.19%	-16.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.56%	-33.11%	-17.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.88%	-4.77%	-3.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.03%	-10.64%	-4.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.74%	3.66%	+2.08%

Volatility

THNQ vs. FDTS - Volatility Comparison

ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) has a higher volatility of 12.29% compared to First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) at 8.44%. This indicates that THNQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDTS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	THNQ	FDTS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.29%	8.44%	+3.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.64%	15.54%	+7.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.89%	18.27%	+9.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.33%	29.42%	-0.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.82%	24.92%	+3.90%

THNQ vs. FDTS - Expense Ratio Comparison

THNQ has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is lower than FDTS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

THNQ vs. FDTS - Dividend Comparison

THNQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%, less than FDTS's 2.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	2.53%	2.94%	3.94%	2.90%	3.71%	3.01%	2.02%	2.30%	1.96%	2.08%	1.78%	1.73%
THNQ ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.15%	0.20%	0.00%	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 THNQ and FDTS in my portfolio?

THNQ and FDTS have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, THNQ or FDTS?

THNQ has higher volatility (12.29%) compared to FDTS (8.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, THNQ dropped -50.56% vs FDTS's -51.26%.

Which ETF is better, THNQ or FDTS?

On 5-year performance, THNQ leads with 15.90% vs 10.78% for FDTS. On fees, THNQ is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, FDTS has been the lower-risk option at 8.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, THNQ or FDTS?

Over the 5-year period, THNQ has performed better with a 15.90% return vs 10.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, THNQ or FDTS?

THNQ is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, THNQ or FDTS?

FDTS has the higher dividend yield at 2.53%, compared with 0.15% for THNQ.

What is the main difference between THNQ and FDTS?

THNQ is categorized as Technology Equities, while FDTS is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. THNQ tracks ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index, while FDTS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for THNQ and 0.80% for FDTS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDTS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 2.32), 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.