FAD vs. IMCG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FAD (First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund) and IMCG (iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds - FAD tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Multi Cap Growth Index while IMCG tracks the Morningstar US Mid Cap Broad Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FAD returned 15.21%/yr vs 15.00%/yr for IMCG. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FAD charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IMCG.

Performance

FAD vs. IMCG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD) and iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG). 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 FAD having a 22.02% return and IMCG slightly higher at 22.43%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FAD having a 15.21% annualized return and IMCG not far behind at 15.00%.

FAD

• 1D: 1.04%
• 1M: 7.38%
• YTD: 22.02%
• 6M: 18.82%
• 1Y: 40.18%
• 3Y*: 25.41%
• 5Y*: 11.39%
• 10Y*: 15.21%

IMCG

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 6.84%
• YTD: 22.43%
• 6M: 20.06%
• 1Y: 26.63%
• 3Y*: 19.34%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: 15.00%

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

FAD vs. IMCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAD First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	22.02%	17.23%	23.85%	19.07%	-24.06%	21.17%	34.92%	26.66%	-6.45%	25.75%
IMCG iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF	22.43%	6.55%	18.14%	20.73%	-25.79%	15.39%	45.64%	35.70%	-3.68%	25.57%

Correlation

The correlation between FAD and IMCG 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	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2007	0.87

The correlation between FAD and IMCG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

FAD vs. IMCG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FAD	IMCG
Technology	27.4%	34.9%
Industrials	25.0%	25.3%
Healthcare	14.8%	6.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	9.1%
Financial Services	7.8%	8.6%
Real Estate	3.9%	3.1%
Communication Services	3.1%	2.4%
Basic Materials	2.9%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	1.2%
Utilities	1.5%	2.5%
Energy	1.3%	1.7%

Return for Risk

FAD vs. IMCG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAD

FAD Risk / Return Rank: 68
FAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
FAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FAD Omega Ratio Rank: 60
FAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
FAD Martin Ratio Rank: 77

IMCG

IMCG Risk / Return Rank: 50
IMCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
IMCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
IMCG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
IMCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
IMCG Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

FAD vs. IMCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD) and iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG). 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	IMCG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	1.60	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.27	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.28	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.79	2.63	+1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.43	10.03	+4.40

FAD vs. IMCG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FAD Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is comparable to the IMCG Sharpe Ratio of 1.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FAD and IMCG, 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

FAD vs. IMCG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAD drawdown since its inception was -54.33%, smaller than the maximum IMCG drawdown of -58.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAD and IMCG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAD	IMCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.33%	-58.96%	+4.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.66%	-10.17%	-0.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.55%	-21.92%	-1.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.99%	-35.08%	+3.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.25%	-35.08%	-2.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.62%	-9.21%	-0.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.66%	+0.13%

Volatility

FAD vs. IMCG - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD) and iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG) have volatilities of 7.37% and 7.22%, 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

	FAD	IMCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.37%	7.22%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.27%	13.99%	+1.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.54%	16.73%	+2.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.72%	20.36%	+0.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.29%	20.61%	+0.68%

FAD vs. IMCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAD has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than IMCG's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAD vs. IMCG - Dividend Comparison

FAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, less than IMCG's 0.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
IMCG iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.61%	0.78%	0.78%	0.85%	0.91%	0.41%	0.09%	0.30%	0.35%	0.45%	0.52%	0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAD and IMCG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, FAD and IMCG 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, FAD or IMCG?

FAD has higher volatility (7.37%) compared to IMCG (7.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAD dropped -54.33% vs IMCG's -58.96%.

Which ETF is better, FAD or IMCG?

On 10-year performance, FAD leads with 15.21% vs 15.00% for IMCG. On fees, IMCG is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, IMCG has been the lower-risk option at 7.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FAD or IMCG?

Over the 10-year period, FAD has performed better with a 15.21% return vs 15.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FAD or IMCG?

IMCG is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FAD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FAD or IMCG?

IMCG has the higher dividend yield at 0.61%, compared with 0.09% for FAD.

What is the main difference between FAD and IMCG?

FAD tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Multi Cap Growth Index, while IMCG tracks Morningstar US Mid Cap Broad Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for FAD and 0.06% for IMCG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.60), 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.