CBSE vs. MMSC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CBSE (Clough Select Equity ETF) and MMSC (First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CBSE is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Clough, while MMSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, CBSE returned 30.51%/yr vs 22.45%/yr for MMSC. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CBSE charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for MMSC.

Performance

CBSE vs. MMSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Clough Select Equity ETF (CBSE) and First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF (MMSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CBSE achieves a 27.35% return, which is significantly higher than MMSC's 18.96% return.

CBSE

• 1D: -3.39%
• 1M: 1.47%
• YTD: 27.35%
• 6M: 24.05%
• 1Y: 42.24%
• 3Y*: 30.51%
• 5Y*: 11.63%
• 10Y*: —

MMSC

• 1D: -2.02%
• 1M: 2.63%
• YTD: 18.96%
• 6M: 15.83%
• 1Y: 42.61%
• 3Y*: 22.45%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CBSE vs. MMSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CBSE Clough Select Equity ETF	27.35%	19.53%	32.20%	17.29%	-19.92%	-6.07%
MMSC First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF	18.96%	15.45%	22.19%	18.76%	-30.98%	1.25%

Correlation

The correlation between CBSE and MMSC is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2021	0.89

The correlation between CBSE and MMSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CBSE vs. MMSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

CBSE

CBSE Risk / Return Rank: 55
CBSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
CBSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
CBSE Omega Ratio Rank: 49
CBSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
CBSE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

MMSC

MMSC Risk / Return Rank: 60
MMSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
MMSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
MMSC Omega Ratio Rank: 53
MMSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
MMSC 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.

CBSE vs. MMSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Clough Select Equity ETF (CBSE) and First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF (MMSC). 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.

	CBSE	MMSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	1.82	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	2.44	-0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.31	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.13	3.04	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.09	11.43	-2.34

CBSE vs. MMSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CBSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is comparable to the MMSC Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CBSE and MMSC, 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

CBSE vs. MMSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CBSE drawdown since its inception was -36.30%, smaller than the maximum MMSC drawdown of -40.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CBSE and MMSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	CBSE	MMSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.30%	-40.82%	+4.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.57%	-14.10%	+0.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.40%	-29.76%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.30%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.55%	-2.02%	-2.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.24%	-18.58%	+6.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.66%	3.74%	+0.92%

Volatility

CBSE vs. MMSC - Volatility Comparison

Clough Select Equity ETF (CBSE) has a higher volatility of 12.55% compared to First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF (MMSC) at 8.68%. This indicates that CBSE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MMSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CBSE	MMSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.55%	8.68%	+3.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.41%	18.32%	+2.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.97%	23.54%	+1.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.52%	24.59%	-0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.12%	24.59%	-0.47%

CBSE vs. MMSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

CBSE has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than MMSC's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

CBSE vs. MMSC - Dividend Comparison

CBSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, while MMSC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CBSE Clough Select Equity ETF	0.27%	0.35%	0.37%	1.50%	0.52%
MMSC First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.41%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CBSE and MMSC in my portfolio?

CBSE and MMSC have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CBSE or MMSC?

CBSE has higher volatility (12.55%) compared to MMSC (8.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CBSE dropped -36.30% vs MMSC's -40.82%.

Which ETF is better, CBSE or MMSC?

On 3-year performance, CBSE leads with 30.51% vs 22.45% for MMSC. On fees, CBSE is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, MMSC has been the lower-risk option at 8.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CBSE or MMSC?

Over the 3-year period, CBSE has performed better with a 30.51% return vs 22.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CBSE or MMSC?

CBSE is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for MMSC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CBSE or MMSC?

CBSE has the higher dividend yield at 0.27%, compared with 0.00% for MMSC.

What is the main difference between CBSE and MMSC?

CBSE is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while MMSC is Small Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Clough and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for CBSE and 0.95% for MMSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MMSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 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.