VOLT vs. FDTS

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VOLT (Tema Electrification ETF) and FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VOLT is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Tema, while FDTS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. VOLT is actively managed, while FDTS is passively managed. Over the past year, VOLT returned 62.39% vs 44.72% for FDTS. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VOLT charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDTS.

Performance

VOLT vs. FDTS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tema Electrification ETF (VOLT) 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, VOLT achieves a 36.32% return, which is significantly higher than FDTS's 18.78% return.

VOLT

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: -0.71%
• YTD: 36.32%
• 6M: 35.03%
• 1Y: 62.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

VOLT vs. FDTS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VOLT Tema Electrification ETF	36.32%	25.92%	-8.98%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	18.78%	51.17%	-3.41%

Correlation

The correlation between VOLT and FDTS is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2024	0.56

The correlation between VOLT and FDTS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

VOLT vs. FDTS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOLT	FDTS
Industrials	46.7%	22.2%
Utilities	31.8%	2.7%
Technology	12.2%	14.1%
Energy	5.1%	4.0%
Consumer Cyclical	3.4%	18.9%
Financial Services	0.5%	11.9%
Basic Materials	-	11.3%
Communication Services	-	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.7%
Healthcare	-	2.8%
Real Estate	-	4.3%

Return for Risk

VOLT vs. FDTS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOLT

VOLT Risk / Return Rank: 91
VOLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
VOLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
VOLT Omega Ratio Rank: 88
VOLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
VOLT Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

VOLT vs. FDTS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tema Electrification ETF (VOLT) 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.

	VOLT	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.87	2.37	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.62	3.15	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.42	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.35	3.43	+2.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.90	11.78	+6.12

VOLT vs. FDTS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOLT Sharpe Ratio is 2.87, which is comparable to the FDTS Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOLT 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

VOLT vs. FDTS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOLT drawdown since its inception was -23.40%, smaller than the maximum FDTS drawdown of -51.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOLT and FDTS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOLT	FDTS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.40%	-51.26%	+27.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.59%	-12.61%	+3.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.19%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.11%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.76%	-4.77%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.19%	-10.64%	+5.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.40%	3.66%	-0.26%

Volatility

VOLT vs. FDTS - Volatility Comparison

Tema Electrification ETF (VOLT) has a higher volatility of 9.23% compared to First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) at 8.44%. This indicates that VOLT'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

	VOLT	FDTS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.23%	8.44%	+0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.19%	15.54%	+2.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.28%	18.27%	+3.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.40%	29.42%	-5.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.40%	24.92%	-0.52%

VOLT vs. FDTS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOLT has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than FDTS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

VOLT vs. FDTS - Dividend Comparison

VOLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, 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%
VOLT Tema Electrification ETF	0.33%	0.46%	0.01%	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 VOLT and FDTS in my portfolio?

VOLT and FDTS have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VOLT or FDTS?

VOLT has higher volatility (9.23%) compared to FDTS (8.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOLT dropped -23.40% vs FDTS's -51.26%.

Which ETF is better, VOLT or FDTS?

On 1-year performance, VOLT leads with 62.39% vs 44.72% for FDTS. On fees, VOLT is cheaper at 0.75% 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, VOLT or FDTS?

Over the 1-year period, VOLT has performed better with a 62.39% return vs 44.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOLT or FDTS?

VOLT is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

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

FDTS has the higher dividend yield at 2.53%, compared with 0.33% for VOLT.

What is the main difference between VOLT and FDTS?

VOLT is categorized as Energy Equities, while FDTS is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Tema and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for VOLT and 0.80% for FDTS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.87 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.