VEA vs. FDTS

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) and FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US 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 10 years, VEA returned 10.72%/yr vs 10.96%/yr for FDTS. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VEA charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDTS.

Performance

VEA vs. FDTS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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, VEA achieves a 14.73% return, which is significantly lower than FDTS's 18.78% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VEA having a 10.72% annualized return and FDTS not far ahead at 10.96%.

VEA

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 3.58%
• YTD: 14.73%
• 6M: 16.65%
• 1Y: 31.41%
• 3Y*: 19.03%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

FDTS

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -2.15%
• 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)

VEA vs. FDTS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.73%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	18.78%	51.17%	2.44%	10.96%	-15.34%	11.79%	12.90%	18.71%	-23.71%	36.01%

Correlation

The correlation between VEA and FDTS is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2012	0.55

Over the past year, VEA and FDTS have become more correlated (0.86) than their long-term average of 0.55, meaning their price movements have been converging.

VEA vs. FDTS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEA	FDTS
Financial Services	23.3%	11.9%
Industrials	19.2%	22.2%
Technology	13.8%	14.1%
Healthcare	8.2%	2.8%
Basic Materials	7.5%	11.3%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	18.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.6%	4.7%
Energy	5.4%	4.0%
Communication Services	3.4%	3.2%
Utilities	3.3%	2.7%
Real Estate	2.7%	4.3%

Return for Risk

VEA vs. FDTS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 62
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

VEA vs. FDTS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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.

	VEA	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	2.37	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	3.15	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.42	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	3.43	-0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.92	11.78	-1.86

VEA vs. FDTS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEA Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the FDTS Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEA 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

VEA vs. FDTS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEA drawdown since its inception was -60.68%, which is greater than FDTS's maximum drawdown of -51.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEA and FDTS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEA	FDTS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.68%	-51.26%	-9.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-12.61%	+0.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.45%	-13.19%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-33.11%	+3.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.73%	-51.26%	+15.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-4.77%	+3.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.28%	-10.64%	-2.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	3.66%	-0.64%

Volatility

VEA vs. FDTS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is 6.84%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) has a volatility of 8.44%. This indicates that VEA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDTS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEA	FDTS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.84%	8.44%	-1.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.38%	15.54%	-1.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.58%	18.27%	-1.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.72%	29.42%	-12.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.40%	24.92%	-7.52%

VEA vs. FDTS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEA has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than FDTS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEA vs. FDTS - Dividend Comparison

VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, more 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%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	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 VEA and FDTS in my portfolio?

VEA and FDTS have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEA or FDTS?

FDTS has higher volatility (8.44%) compared to VEA (6.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEA dropped -60.68% vs FDTS's -51.26%.

Which ETF is better, VEA or FDTS?

On 10-year performance, FDTS leads with 10.96% vs 10.72% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 6.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEA or FDTS?

Over the 10-year period, FDTS has performed better with a 10.96% return vs 10.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEA or FDTS?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 2.53% for FDTS.

What is the main difference between VEA and FDTS?

VEA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while FDTS is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while FDTS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VEA and 0.80% for FDTS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDTS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 1.81), 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.