VGK vs. FDD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VGK (Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF) and FDD (First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund) are both Europe Equities funds - VGK tracks the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index while FDD tracks the STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VGK returned 9.26%/yr vs 9.96%/yr for FDD. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGK charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for FDD.

Performance

VGK vs. FDD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) and First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGK achieves a 5.62% return, which is significantly lower than FDD's 11.53% return. Over the past 10 years, VGK has underperformed FDD with an annualized return of 9.26%, while FDD has yielded a comparatively higher 9.96% annualized return.

VGK

• 1D: -1.19%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 5.62%
• 6M: 8.66%
• 1Y: 18.01%
• 3Y*: 16.32%
• 5Y*: 8.24%
• 10Y*: 9.26%

FDD

• 1D: -1.17%
• 1M: 3.51%
• YTD: 11.53%
• 6M: 17.78%
• 1Y: 33.02%
• 3Y*: 25.85%
• 5Y*: 11.03%
• 10Y*: 9.96%

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

VGK vs. FDD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	5.62%	35.83%	1.88%	20.19%	-15.98%	16.89%	5.43%	24.85%	-14.89%	26.98%
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	11.53%	62.50%	0.28%	14.16%	-16.14%	16.03%	-3.80%	23.79%	-8.98%	19.07%

Correlation

The correlation between VGK and FDD is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 31, 2007	0.80

The correlation between VGK and FDD shifts across timeframes, from 0.80 (all time) to 0.90 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VGK vs. FDD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGK	FDD
Financial Services	23.9%	52.2%
Industrials	19.5%	12.5%
Healthcare	12.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	8.5%	3.7%
Technology	8.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	12.3%
Basic Materials	5.4%	2.9%
Energy	5.3%	10.8%
Utilities	4.8%	6.0%
Communication Services	3.3%	2.1%
Real Estate	1.5%	3.5%

Return for Risk

VGK vs. FDD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGK

VGK Risk / Return Rank: 31
VGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
VGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VGK Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VGK Martin Ratio Rank: 35

FDD

FDD Risk / Return Rank: 64
FDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
FDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FDD Omega Ratio Rank: 60
FDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FDD Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

VGK vs. FDD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) and First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD). 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.

	VGK	FDD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	2.16	-0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	2.98	-1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.37	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.50	3.53	-2.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.56	11.86	-6.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGK vs. FDD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGK Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is lower than the FDD Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGK and FDD, 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

	VGK	FDD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.18	2.16	-0.98
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	0.60	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.50	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.28	0.10	+0.18

Drawdowns

VGK vs. FDD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGK drawdown since its inception was -63.61%, smaller than the maximum FDD drawdown of -74.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGK and FDD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGK	FDD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.61%	-74.77%	+11.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.09%	-9.39%	-2.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.31%	-13.06%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.74%	-35.11%	+2.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.24%	-41.43%	+4.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.41%	-2.26%	-0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.34%	-35.47%	+22.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.25%	2.79%	+0.46%

Volatility

VGK vs. FDD - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) has a higher volatility of 5.73% compared to First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) at 5.22%. This indicates that VGK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGK	FDD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.73%	5.22%	+0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.78%	12.35%	+0.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.40%	15.43%	-0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.90%	18.39%	-0.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.96%	20.16%	-1.20%

VGK vs. FDD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGK has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than FDD's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGK vs. FDD - Dividend Comparison

VGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.82%, less than FDD's 3.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	3.55%	3.99%	7.65%	6.85%	6.07%	3.44%	4.01%	4.69%	5.05%	2.78%	4.88%	4.35%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	2.82%	2.86%	3.61%	3.15%	3.25%	3.05%	2.11%	3.27%	3.95%	2.70%	3.52%	3.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGK and FDD in my portfolio?

VGK and FDD have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGK or FDD?

VGK has higher volatility (5.73%) compared to FDD (5.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGK dropped -63.61% vs FDD's -74.77%.

Which ETF is better, VGK or FDD?

On 10-year performance, FDD leads with 9.96% vs 9.26% for VGK. On fees, VGK is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, FDD has been the lower-risk option at 5.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGK or FDD?

Over the 10-year period, FDD has performed better with a 9.96% return vs 9.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGK or FDD?

VGK is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for FDD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGK or FDD?

FDD has the higher dividend yield at 3.55%, compared with 2.82% for VGK.

What is the main difference between VGK and FDD?

VGK tracks FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index, while FDD tracks STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VGK and 0.58% for FDD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.18), 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.