BCSM vs. FAD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BCSM (Baron SMID Cap ETF) and FAD (First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. BCSM is actively managed, while FAD is passively managed. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BCSM charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for FAD.

Performance

BCSM vs. FAD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baron SMID Cap ETF (BCSM) and First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BCSM achieves a 0.41% return, which is significantly lower than FAD's 17.25% return.

BCSM

• 1D: -1.38%
• 1M: 6.09%
• YTD: 0.41%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAD

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 6.70%
• YTD: 17.25%
• 6M: 17.16%
• 1Y: 34.52%
• 3Y*: 24.16%
• 5Y*: 11.25%
• 10Y*: 14.53%

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

BCSM vs. FAD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BCSM Baron SMID Cap ETF	0.41%	-0.51%
FAD First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	17.25%	-0.38%

Correlation

The correlation between BCSM and FAD is 0.75, 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 Dec 16, 2025	0.75

Return for Risk

BCSM vs. FAD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAD

FAD Risk / Return Rank: 59
FAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
FAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
FAD Omega Ratio Rank: 51
FAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
FAD Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

BCSM vs. FAD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baron SMID Cap ETF (BCSM) and First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD). 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

	BCSM	FAD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.88	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.69	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.01	0.50	-0.51

Drawdowns

BCSM vs. FAD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BCSM drawdown since its inception was -17.45%, smaller than the maximum FAD drawdown of -54.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BCSM and FAD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BCSM	FAD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.45%	-54.33%	+36.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.66%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.55%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.99%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.06%	-0.15%	-3.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.36%	-9.64%	+2.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.76%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BCSM	FAD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.01%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.14%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.15%	18.50%	+1.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.15%	20.53%	-0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.15%	21.18%	-1.03%

BCSM vs. FAD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BCSM has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than FAD's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

BCSM vs. FAD - Dividend Comparison

BCSM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BCSM Baron SMID Cap ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FAD First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	0.09%	0.09%	0.59%	0.51%	0.60%	0.09%	0.32%	0.48%	0.20%	0.22%	0.64%	0.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BCSM and FAD in my portfolio?

BCSM and FAD have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BCSM or FAD?

On fees, FAD is cheaper at 0.63% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BCSM or FAD?

FAD is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for BCSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BCSM or FAD?

FAD has the higher dividend yield at 0.09%, compared with 0.00% for BCSM.

What is the main difference between BCSM and FAD?

They also come from different issuers: Baron Capital and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for BCSM and 0.63% for FAD.