DWAS vs. FYC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DWAS (Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF) and FYC (First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - DWAS is a Momentum fund tracking the Dorsey Wright SmallCap Technical Leaders Index, while FYC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DWAS returned 13.88%/yr vs 15.10%/yr for FYC. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DWAS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.71%/yr for FYC.

Performance

DWAS vs. FYC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF (DWAS) and First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DWAS having a 24.87% return and FYC slightly higher at 25.16%. Over the past 10 years, DWAS has underperformed FYC with an annualized return of 13.88%, while FYC has yielded a comparatively higher 15.10% annualized return.

DWAS

• 1D: -1.80%
• 1M: 6.39%
• YTD: 24.87%
• 6M: 21.56%
• 1Y: 45.00%
• 3Y*: 17.62%
• 5Y*: 6.84%
• 10Y*: 13.88%

FYC

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 5.13%
• YTD: 25.16%
• 6M: 22.15%
• 1Y: 56.72%
• 3Y*: 28.14%
• 5Y*: 10.63%
• 10Y*: 15.10%

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

DWAS vs. FYC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DWAS Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF	24.87%	6.09%	9.81%	16.88%	-18.51%	19.75%	32.32%	31.39%	-10.68%	20.84%
FYC First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	25.16%	24.24%	23.99%	14.52%	-25.86%	21.64%	32.34%	16.79%	-5.54%	22.97%

Correlation

The correlation between DWAS and FYC is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 19, 2012	0.93

The correlation between DWAS and FYC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

DWAS vs. FYC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DWAS	FYC
Healthcare	25.9%	25.3%
Technology	20.9%	17.5%
Industrials	18.0%	18.7%
Financial Services	13.3%	8.9%
Energy	6.5%	2.2%
Consumer Cyclical	5.9%	9.5%
Basic Materials	3.9%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	3.2%
Real Estate	1.2%	5.7%
Communication Services	1.1%	3.7%
Utilities	0.3%	1.6%

Return for Risk

DWAS vs. FYC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DWAS

DWAS Risk / Return Rank: 67
DWAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
DWAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
DWAS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
DWAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
DWAS Martin Ratio Rank: 79

FYC

FYC Risk / Return Rank: 85
FYC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
FYC Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FYC Omega Ratio Rank: 76
FYC Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FYC Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

DWAS vs. FYC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF (DWAS) and First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC). 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.

	DWAS	FYC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	2.64	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	3.51	-0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.42	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.51	5.44	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.54	19.70	-5.16

DWAS vs. FYC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DWAS Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is comparable to the FYC Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DWAS and FYC, 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

DWAS vs. FYC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DWAS drawdown since its inception was -46.16%, roughly equal to the maximum FYC drawdown of -47.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DWAS and FYC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DWAS	FYC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.16%	-47.85%	+1.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.02%	-10.48%	+0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.83%	-27.79%	-6.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.83%	-35.37%	+1.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.16%	-47.85%	+1.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.80%	-0.75%	-1.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.27%	-9.63%	-0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	2.89%	+0.21%

Volatility

DWAS vs. FYC - Volatility Comparison

Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF (DWAS) has a higher volatility of 8.88% compared to First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) at 7.00%. This indicates that DWAS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FYC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DWAS	FYC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.88%	7.00%	+1.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.12%	15.77%	+2.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.99%	21.65%	+2.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.86%	23.73%	+2.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.69%	24.61%	+2.08%

DWAS vs. FYC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DWAS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than FYC's 0.71% expense ratio.

Dividends

DWAS vs. FYC - Dividend Comparison

DWAS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FYC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DWAS Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF	0.00%	0.07%	0.79%	1.42%	0.81%	0.16%	0.21%	0.13%	0.04%	0.20%	0.52%	0.19%
FYC First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	0.06%	0.08%	0.72%	0.58%	0.00%	0.63%	0.12%	0.39%	0.09%	0.10%	0.31%	0.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DWAS and FYC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DWAS and FYC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DWAS or FYC?

DWAS has higher volatility (8.88%) compared to FYC (7.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DWAS dropped -46.16% vs FYC's -47.85%.

Which ETF is better, DWAS or FYC?

On 10-year performance, FYC leads with 15.10% vs 13.88% for DWAS. On fees, DWAS is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FYC has been the lower-risk option at 7.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DWAS or FYC?

Over the 10-year period, FYC has performed better with a 15.10% return vs 13.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DWAS or FYC?

DWAS is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.71% for FYC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DWAS or FYC?

FYC has the higher dividend yield at 0.06%, compared with 0.00% for DWAS.

What is the main difference between DWAS and FYC?

DWAS is categorized as Momentum, while FYC is Small Cap Growth Equities. DWAS tracks Dorsey Wright SmallCap Technical Leaders Index, while FYC tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for DWAS and 0.71% for FYC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FYC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 1.89), 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.