VIDI vs. FDTS

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VIDI (Vident International Equity Fund) and FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VIDI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Vident International Equity 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, VIDI returned 11.15%/yr vs 10.96%/yr for FDTS. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VIDI charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDTS.

Performance

VIDI vs. FDTS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vident International Equity Fund (VIDI) 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, VIDI achieves a 20.00% return, which is significantly higher than FDTS's 18.78% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VIDI having a 11.15% annualized return and FDTS not far behind at 10.96%.

VIDI

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: 20.00%
• 6M: 22.09%
• 1Y: 42.87%
• 3Y*: 25.18%
• 5Y*: 11.77%
• 10Y*: 11.15%

FDTS

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -3.25%
• YTD: 18.78%
• 6M: 20.77%
• 1Y: 42.98%
• 3Y*: 24.70%
• 5Y*: 10.78%
• 10Y*: 10.96%

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

VIDI vs. FDTS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIDI Vident International Equity Fund	20.00%	41.83%	6.03%	18.92%	-13.83%	11.93%	1.18%	15.84%	-17.65%	33.56%
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 VIDI and FDTS is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 30, 2013	0.55

Over the past year, VIDI and FDTS have become more correlated (0.81) than their long-term average of 0.55, meaning their price movements have been converging.

VIDI vs. FDTS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIDI	FDTS
Industrials	18.8%	23.0%
Financial Services	18.5%	11.7%
Technology	13.7%	13.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	18.4%
Basic Materials	8.4%	11.2%
Energy	8.0%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	5.0%
Healthcare	6.1%	3.0%
Communication Services	6.0%	3.0%
Utilities	3.1%	2.7%
Real Estate	0.8%	4.3%

Return for Risk

VIDI vs. FDTS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIDI

VIDI Risk / Return Rank: 89
VIDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
VIDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
VIDI Omega Ratio Rank: 91
VIDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
VIDI Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

VIDI vs. FDTS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vident International Equity Fund (VIDI) 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.

	VIDI	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.81	2.37	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.69	3.15	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.42	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.28	3.43	+0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.89	11.78	+4.11

VIDI vs. FDTS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIDI Sharpe Ratio is 2.81, which is comparable to the FDTS Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIDI 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

VIDI vs. FDTS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIDI drawdown since its inception was -48.39%, smaller than the maximum FDTS drawdown of -51.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIDI and FDTS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIDI	FDTS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.39%	-51.26%	+2.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.07%	-12.61%	+2.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.54%	-13.19%	-1.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-33.11%	+3.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.39%	-51.26%	+2.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.10%	-4.77%	+1.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.38%	-10.64%	+0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.71%	3.66%	-0.95%

Volatility

VIDI vs. FDTS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vident International Equity Fund (VIDI) is 6.46%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) has a volatility of 8.44%. This indicates that VIDI 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

	VIDI	FDTS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.46%	8.44%	-1.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.05%	15.54%	-2.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.35%	18.27%	-2.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.10%	29.42%	-13.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.06%	24.92%	-6.86%

VIDI vs. FDTS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIDI has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than FDTS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIDI vs. FDTS - Dividend Comparison

VIDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.70%, 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%
VIDI Vident International Equity Fund	3.70%	4.26%	4.93%	4.14%	5.85%	4.62%	2.51%	3.35%	2.80%	2.21%	1.92%	2.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIDI and FDTS in my portfolio?

VIDI and FDTS have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIDI or FDTS?

FDTS has higher volatility (8.44%) compared to VIDI (6.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIDI dropped -48.39% vs FDTS's -51.26%.

Which ETF is better, VIDI or FDTS?

On 10-year performance, VIDI leads with 11.15% vs 10.96% for FDTS. On fees, VIDI is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, VIDI has been the lower-risk option at 6.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIDI or FDTS?

Over the 10-year period, VIDI has performed better with a 11.15% return vs 10.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIDI or FDTS?

VIDI is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

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

VIDI has the higher dividend yield at 3.70%, compared with 2.53% for FDTS.

What is the main difference between VIDI and FDTS?

VIDI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while FDTS is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. VIDI tracks Vident International Equity Index, while FDTS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Vident and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for VIDI and 0.80% for FDTS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIDI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.81 vs 2.37), 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.