AFSM vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AFSM (First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AFSM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, AFSM returned 8.53%/yr vs 8.07%/yr for FAAR. At a 0.06 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AFSM charges 0.77%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

AFSM vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (AFSM) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AFSM achieves a 15.65% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 25.73% return.

AFSM

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 3.29%
• YTD: 15.65%
• 6M: 15.19%
• 1Y: 30.17%
• 3Y*: 17.93%
• 5Y*: 8.53%
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: -0.79%
• YTD: 25.73%
• 6M: 23.17%
• 1Y: 40.73%
• 3Y*: 11.79%
• 5Y*: 8.07%
• 10Y*: 5.17%

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

AFSM vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AFSM First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF	15.65%	9.99%	10.55%	22.23%	-17.50%	26.03%	8.44%	2.63%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	25.73%	8.07%	5.97%	-5.63%	10.15%	12.34%	8.60%	0.74%

Correlation

The correlation between AFSM and FAAR is -0.10, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.02
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 5, 2019	0.06

The correlation between AFSM and FAAR shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (1 year) to 0.06 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AFSM vs. FAAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AFSM	FAAR
Technology	20.3%	-
Healthcare	17.8%	-
Industrials	16.9%	-
Financial Services	14.9%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	-
Energy	5.3%	-
Basic Materials	4.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	-
Real Estate	3.8%	-
Communication Services	2.3%	-
Utilities	0.3%	-

Return for Risk

AFSM vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFSM

AFSM Risk / Return Rank: 54
AFSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
AFSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
AFSM Omega Ratio Rank: 46
AFSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
AFSM Martin Ratio Rank: 59

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 90
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 84
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

AFSM vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (AFSM) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	AFSM	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	3.04	-1.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.46	4.23	-1.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.52	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	8.44	-5.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.41	23.64	-13.22
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AFSM vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AFSM Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is lower than the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 3.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AFSM and FAAR, 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

	AFSM	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.70	3.04	-1.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.62	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.45	-0.01

Drawdowns

AFSM vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFSM drawdown since its inception was -43.54%, which is greater than FAAR's maximum drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFSM and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFSM	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.54%	-18.03%	-25.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.56%	-4.85%	-4.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.07%	-11.54%	-13.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.27%	-18.03%	-10.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.47%	-1.11%	-0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.48%	-7.85%	-1.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	1.73%	+1.17%

Volatility

AFSM vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (AFSM) has a higher volatility of 5.57% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.44%. This indicates that AFSM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AFSM	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.57%	2.44%	+3.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.14%	9.72%	+3.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.89%	13.48%	+4.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.82%	13.02%	+7.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.40%	11.51%	+13.89%

AFSM vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFSM has a 0.77% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFSM vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

AFSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.47%, less than FAAR's 9.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AFSM First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF	0.47%	0.58%	0.58%	0.92%	1.28%	0.35%	0.53%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.15%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFSM and FAAR in my portfolio?

AFSM and FAAR have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AFSM or FAAR?

AFSM has higher volatility (5.57%) compared to FAAR (2.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFSM dropped -43.54% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, AFSM or FAAR?

On 5-year performance, AFSM leads with 8.53% vs 8.07% for FAAR. On fees, AFSM is cheaper at 0.77% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AFSM or FAAR?

Over the 5-year period, AFSM has performed better with a 8.53% return vs 8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFSM or FAAR?

AFSM is cheaper with a 0.77% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AFSM or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.15%, compared with 0.47% for AFSM.

What is the main difference between AFSM and FAAR?

AFSM is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. Their fees differ too: 0.77% for AFSM and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 vs 1.70), 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.