FAAR vs. KMLM
FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) and KMLM (KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust, while KMLM is a Systematic Trend fund tracking the KFA MLM Index. FAAR is actively managed, while KMLM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FAAR returned 7.72%/yr vs 4.34%/yr for KMLM. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FAAR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for KMLM.
Performance
FAAR vs. KMLM - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FAAR achieves a 19.14% return, which is significantly higher than KMLM's 6.97% return.
FAAR
- 1D
- -0.91%
- 1M
- -5.21%
- YTD
- 19.14%
- 6M
- 18.06%
- 1Y
- 28.33%
- 3Y*
- 10.57%
- 5Y*
- 7.72%
- 10Y*
- 4.69%
KMLM
- 1D
- -0.79%
- 1M
- -4.98%
- YTD
- 6.97%
- 6M
- 6.95%
- 1Y
- 12.95%
- 3Y*
- -0.70%
- 5Y*
- 4.34%
- 10Y*
- —
FAAR vs. KMLM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF | 19.14% | 8.07% | 5.97% | -5.63% | 10.15% | 12.34% | 3.62% |
KMLM KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF | 6.97% | -2.98% | -1.69% | -5.66% | 30.61% | 7.04% | 5.74% |
Correlation
The correlation between FAAR and KMLM is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.46 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.32 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.32 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2020 | 0.34 |
The correlation between FAAR and KMLM shifts across timeframes, from 0.32 (5 years) to 0.46 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
FAAR vs. KMLM — Risk / Return Rank
FAAR
KMLM
FAAR vs. KMLM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) and KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM). 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.
| FAAR | KMLM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.00 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.49 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.37 | 1.21 | +0.16 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 4.52 | 1.62 | +2.91 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 15.18 | 5.47 | +9.71 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
FAAR vs. KMLM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FAAR drawdown since its inception was -18.03%, smaller than the maximum KMLM drawdown of -27.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAAR and KMLM.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| FAAR | KMLM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -18.03% | -27.47% | +9.44% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -6.29% | -8.04% | +1.75% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -11.54% | -22.28% | +10.74% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -18.03% | -27.47% | +9.44% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -18.03% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.29% | -16.59% | +10.30% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.82% | -12.76% | +4.94% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.87% | 2.37% | -0.50% |
Volatility
FAAR vs. KMLM - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) is 2.55%, while KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM) has a volatility of 2.95%. This indicates that FAAR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KMLM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| FAAR | KMLM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.55% | 2.95% | -0.40% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.68% | 9.82% | -0.14% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 13.38% | 11.39% | +1.99% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 12.96% | 14.57% | -1.61% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 11.54% | 14.69% | -3.15% |
FAAR vs. KMLM - Expense Ratio Comparison
FAAR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than KMLM's 0.90% expense ratio.
Dividends
FAAR vs. KMLM - Dividend Comparison
FAAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.66%, more than KMLM's 4.70% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF | 9.66% | 11.63% | 3.45% | 3.20% | 5.82% | 6.49% | 3.05% | 1.02% | 0.58% | 2.83% |
KMLM KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF | 4.70% | 5.02% | 0.82% | 0.00% | 13.22% | 6.94% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
FAAR and KMLM have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
KMLM has higher volatility (2.95%) compared to FAAR (2.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAAR dropped -18.03% vs KMLM's -27.47%.
On 5-year performance, FAAR leads with 7.72% vs 4.34% for KMLM. On fees, KMLM is cheaper at 0.90% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 7.72% return vs 4.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
KMLM is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.
FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.66%, compared with 4.70% for KMLM.
FAAR is categorized as Commodities, while KMLM is Systematic Trend. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and KraneShares. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for FAAR and 0.90% for KMLM.
FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.16), 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.
Find the right allocation for FAAR and KMLM
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer