FAD vs. BCSM
FAD (First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund) and BCSM (Baron SMID Cap ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. FAD is passively managed, while BCSM is actively managed. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FAD charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for BCSM.
Performance
FAD vs. BCSM - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FAD achieves a 19.17% return, which is significantly higher than BCSM's -1.90% return.
FAD
- 1D
- -2.33%
- 1M
- 4.88%
- YTD
- 19.17%
- 6M
- 16.47%
- 1Y
- 35.51%
- 3Y*
- 24.43%
- 5Y*
- 10.64%
- 10Y*
- 14.94%
BCSM
- 1D
- -0.54%
- 1M
- 1.75%
- YTD
- -1.90%
- 6M
- -3.85%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
FAD vs. BCSM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
FAD First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund | 19.17% | -1.15% |
BCSM Baron SMID Cap ETF | -1.90% | -2.70% |
Correlation
The correlation between FAD and BCSM 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 15, 2025 | 0.75 |
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Return for Risk
FAD vs. BCSM — Risk / Return Rank
FAD
BCSM
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
FAD vs. BCSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD) and Baron SMID Cap ETF (BCSM). 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.
| FAD | BCSM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.31 | — | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.35 | — | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 12.74 | — | — |
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Drawdowns
FAD vs. BCSM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FAD drawdown since its inception was -54.33%, which is greater than BCSM's maximum drawdown of -17.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAD and BCSM.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FAD | BCSM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -54.33% | -17.45% | -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 DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.33% | -6.26% | +3.93% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -9.62% | -7.22% | -2.40% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.80% | — | — |
Volatility
FAD vs. BCSM - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| FAD | BCSM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.85% | — | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 15.44% | — | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 19.65% | 20.49% | -0.84% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.75% | 20.49% | +0.26% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.29% | 20.49% | +0.80% |
FAD vs. BCSM - Expense Ratio Comparison
FAD has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is lower than BCSM's 0.75% expense ratio.
Dividends
FAD vs. BCSM - Dividend Comparison
FAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, while BCSM has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| 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
FAD and BCSM 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.
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.
FAD is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for BCSM.
FAD has the higher dividend yield at 0.09%, compared with 0.00% for BCSM.
They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Baron Capital. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for FAD and 0.75% for BCSM.
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