AIMS vs. HSMV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AIMS (Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF) and HSMV (First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AIMS charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for HSMV.

Performance

AIMS vs. HSMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF (AIMS) and First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

AIMS

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: 2.72%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HSMV

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: -2.09%
• YTD: 3.11%
• 6M: 3.06%
• 1Y: 4.19%
• 3Y*: 8.36%
• 5Y*: 3.69%
• 10Y*: —

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

AIMS vs. HSMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
AIMS Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF	7.43%
HSMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF	-3.34%

Correlation

The correlation between AIMS and HSMV is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2026	0.72

Return for Risk

AIMS vs. HSMV — Risk / Return Rank

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

HSMV

HSMV Risk / Return Rank: 15
HSMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
HSMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
HSMV Omega Ratio Rank: 14
HSMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
HSMV Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

AIMS vs. HSMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF (AIMS) and First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AIMS	HSMV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.25	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.32	0.67	+0.64

Drawdowns

AIMS vs. HSMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIMS drawdown since its inception was -8.32%, smaller than the maximum HSMV drawdown of -19.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIMS and HSMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIMS	HSMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.32%	-19.16%	+10.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.83%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.45%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.35%	-4.36%	+3.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.33%	-5.62%	+3.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.59%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AIMS	HSMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.85%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.28%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.94%	10.37%	+9.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.94%	15.00%	+4.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.94%	16.06%	+3.88%

AIMS vs. HSMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIMS has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than HSMV's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIMS vs. HSMV - Dividend Comparison

AIMS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HSMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.00%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AIMS Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HSMV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF	2.00%	2.01%	1.43%	1.43%	1.26%	0.76%	0.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIMS and HSMV in my portfolio?

AIMS and HSMV have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AIMS or HSMV?

On fees, AIMS is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIMS or HSMV?

AIMS is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for HSMV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIMS or HSMV?

HSMV has the higher dividend yield at 2.00%, compared with 0.00% for AIMS.

What is the main difference between AIMS and HSMV?

They also come from different issuers: Acuitas Investments and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for AIMS and 0.80% for HSMV.