CMDT vs. MFDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CMDT (PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund) and MFDX (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CMDT is a Commodities fund tracking the Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Total Return Index, while MFDX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CMDT returned 16.90%/yr vs 18.62%/yr for MFDX. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CMDT charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for MFDX.

Performance

CMDT vs. MFDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund (CMDT) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CMDT achieves a 23.96% return, which is significantly higher than MFDX's 9.73% return.

CMDT

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -0.63%
• YTD: 23.96%
• 6M: 24.09%
• 1Y: 35.85%
• 3Y*: 16.90%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MFDX

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 2.31%
• YTD: 9.73%
• 6M: 12.33%
• 1Y: 23.13%
• 3Y*: 18.62%
• 5Y*: 9.92%
• 10Y*: —

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

CMDT vs. MFDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CMDT PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund	23.96%	12.78%	6.93%	5.50%
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	9.73%	34.27%	4.40%	6.64%

Correlation

The correlation between CMDT and MFDX is -0.02, 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	-0.02
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2023	0.17

The correlation between CMDT and MFDX shifts across timeframes, from -0.02 (1 year) to 0.17 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CMDT vs. MFDX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CMDT	MFDX
Financial Services	100.0%	16.4%
Basic Materials	-	10.8%
Communication Services	-	7.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	8.0%
Energy	-	6.8%
Healthcare	-	6.0%
Industrials	-	19.9%
Real Estate	-	3.0%
Technology	-	7.1%
Utilities	-	6.4%

Return for Risk

CMDT vs. MFDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CMDT

CMDT Risk / Return Rank: 88
CMDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
CMDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
CMDT Omega Ratio Rank: 83
CMDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
CMDT Martin Ratio Rank: 91

MFDX

MFDX Risk / Return Rank: 48
MFDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
MFDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
MFDX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
MFDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
MFDX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

CMDT vs. MFDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund (CMDT) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX). 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.

	CMDT	MFDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.92	1.70	+1.22
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.92	2.38	+1.54
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.31	+0.20
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.03	2.18	+5.85
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	22.12	8.66	+13.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CMDT vs. MFDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CMDT Sharpe Ratio is 2.92, which is higher than the MFDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CMDT and MFDX, 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

	CMDT	MFDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.92	1.70	+1.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.32	0.54	+0.78

Drawdowns

CMDT vs. MFDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CMDT drawdown since its inception was -9.69%, smaller than the maximum MFDX drawdown of -36.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CMDT and MFDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CMDT	MFDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.69%	-36.05%	+26.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.49%	-10.66%	+6.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.69%	-11.62%	+1.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.58%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.86%	-1.84%	-1.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.69%	-6.50%	+3.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.63%	2.68%	-1.05%

Volatility

CMDT vs. MFDX - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund (CMDT) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) have volatilities of 4.33% and 4.45%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CMDT	MFDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.33%	4.45%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.30%	11.34%	-1.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.35%	13.73%	-1.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.21%	15.03%	-2.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.21%	16.41%	-4.20%

CMDT vs. MFDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CMDT has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than MFDX's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

CMDT vs. MFDX - Dividend Comparison

CMDT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.44%, less than MFDX's 2.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CMDT PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund	2.44%	3.04%	8.80%	2.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	2.79%	2.97%	3.16%	3.12%	2.85%	2.99%	1.58%	2.88%	2.13%	0.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CMDT and MFDX in my portfolio?

CMDT and MFDX have a correlation of -0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CMDT or MFDX?

MFDX has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to CMDT (4.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CMDT dropped -9.69% vs MFDX's -36.05%.

Which ETF is better, CMDT or MFDX?

On 3-year performance, MFDX leads with 18.62% vs 16.90% for CMDT. On fees, MFDX is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, CMDT has been the lower-risk option at 4.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CMDT or MFDX?

Over the 3-year period, MFDX has performed better with a 18.62% return vs 16.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CMDT or MFDX?

MFDX is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for CMDT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CMDT or MFDX?

MFDX has the higher dividend yield at 2.79%, compared with 2.44% for CMDT.

What is the main difference between CMDT and MFDX?

CMDT is categorized as Commodities, while MFDX is Foreign Large Cap Equities. CMDT tracks Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Total Return Index, while MFDX tracks RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for CMDT and 0.39% for MFDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CMDT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.92 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.