TUSA vs. FTDS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TUSA (First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from First Trust - TUSA tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Total US Market Index while FTDS tracks the Dividend Strength Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, TUSA returned 10.75%/yr vs 10.75%/yr for FTDS. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

TUSA vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF (TUSA) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with TUSA at 6.54% and FTDS at 6.54%. Over a longer period, both investments have demonstrated similar performance, with their 10-year annualized returns being quite close: TUSA at 10.75% and FTDS at 10.75%.

TUSA

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -2.16%
• YTD: 6.54%
• 6M: 6.72%
• 1Y: 18.40%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: 6.32%
• 10Y*: 10.75%

FTDS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -2.16%
• YTD: 6.54%
• 6M: 6.72%
• 1Y: 18.40%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: 6.32%
• 10Y*: 10.75%

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

TUSA vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TUSA First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF	6.54%	13.64%	11.12%	11.75%	-13.54%	24.79%	14.16%	24.29%	-10.35%	20.07%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	6.54%	13.64%	11.12%	11.75%	-13.54%	24.79%	14.16%	24.29%	-10.35%	20.07%

Correlation

The correlation between TUSA and FTDS is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 29, 2004	1.00

The correlation between TUSA and FTDS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

TUSA vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TUSA	FTDS
Financial Services	31.9%	27.9%
Industrials	19.8%	19.8%
Consumer Cyclical	16.0%	3.4%
Basic Materials	14.1%	8.0%
Utilities	7.5%	-
Technology	6.1%	9.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.1%	1.9%
Real Estate	2.1%	-
Healthcare	2.0%	9.4%
Communication Services	2.0%	-
Energy	1.9%	20.2%

Return for Risk

TUSA vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

TUSA

TUSA Risk / Return Rank: 45
TUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
TUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
TUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 39
TUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
TUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 46

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 45
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 39
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

TUSA vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF (TUSA) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). 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.

	TUSA	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.44	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	2.19	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.25	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	2.81	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.56	7.56	0.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TUSA vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TUSA Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TUSA and FTDS, 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

	TUSA	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.44	1.44	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	0.36	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	0.54	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	0.32	0.00

Drawdowns

TUSA vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TUSA drawdown since its inception was -56.53%, roughly equal to the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TUSA and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	TUSA	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.53%	-56.53%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.57%	-6.57%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.04%	-18.04%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.35%	-23.35%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.47%	-42.47%	0.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.46%	-4.46%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.87%	-9.87%	0.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	2.44%	0.00%

Volatility

TUSA vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF (TUSA) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) have volatilities of 3.48% and 3.48%, 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

	TUSA	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.48%	3.48%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.87%	8.87%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.92%	12.92%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.65%	17.65%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.14%	20.14%	0.00%

TUSA vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both TUSA and FTDS have an expense ratio of 0.70%.

Dividends

TUSA vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

TUSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.66%, which matches FTDS's 1.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.66%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%
TUSA First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF	1.66%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TUSA and FTDS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, TUSA and FTDS 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, TUSA or FTDS?

FTDS has higher volatility (3.48%) compared to TUSA (3.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TUSA dropped -56.53% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, TUSA or FTDS?

On 10-year performance, FTDS leads with 10.75% vs 10.75% for TUSA. Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. 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, TUSA or FTDS?

Over the 10-year period, FTDS has performed better with a 10.75% return vs 10.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TUSA or FTDS?

TUSA and FTDS have the same expense ratio: 0.70% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TUSA or FTDS?

TUSA and FTDS have nearly identical dividend yields, around 1.66%.

What is the main difference between TUSA and FTDS?

TUSA tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Total US Market Index, while FTDS tracks Dividend Strength Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.44), 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.