FDM vs. SYZ
FDM (First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund) and SYZ (Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. FDM is passively managed, while SYZ is actively managed. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.
Performance
FDM vs. SYZ - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FDM achieves a 13.86% return, which is significantly lower than SYZ's 19.52% return.
FDM
- 1D
- 0.76%
- 1M
- 4.64%
- YTD
- 13.86%
- 6M
- 12.43%
- 1Y
- 30.56%
- 3Y*
- 19.96%
- 5Y*
- 9.37%
- 10Y*
- 12.29%
SYZ
- 1D
- -0.80%
- 1M
- 3.17%
- YTD
- 19.52%
- 6M
- 17.58%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
FDM vs. SYZ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund | 13.86% | 5.40% |
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF | 19.52% | 0.54% |
Correlation
The correlation between FDM and SYZ is 0.79, 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 Sep 15, 2025 | 0.79 |
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Return for Risk
FDM vs. SYZ — Risk / Return Rank
FDM
SYZ
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
FDM vs. SYZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM) and Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF (SYZ). 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.
| FDM | SYZ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.28 | — | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.30 | — | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.96 | — | — |
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Drawdowns
FDM vs. SYZ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FDM drawdown since its inception was -63.45%, which is greater than SYZ's maximum drawdown of -8.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDM and SYZ.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FDM | SYZ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -63.45% | -8.00% | -55.45% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.30% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -23.47% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -23.74% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -47.76% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | 0.00% | -0.80% | +0.80% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -11.32% | -2.01% | -9.31% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.08% | — | — |
Volatility
FDM vs. SYZ - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| FDM | SYZ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.79% | — | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.23% | — | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 18.84% | 16.89% | +1.95% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 21.40% | 16.89% | +4.51% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.36% | 16.89% | +6.47% |
FDM vs. SYZ - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both FDM and SYZ have an expense ratio of 0.60%.
Dividends
FDM vs. SYZ - Dividend Comparison
FDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%, more than SYZ's 0.24% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund | 1.21% | 1.43% | 1.56% | 1.81% | 1.80% | 1.08% | 1.68% | 1.37% | 1.26% | 0.97% | 1.13% | 1.45% |
SYZ Lazard US Systematic Small Cap Equity ETF | 0.24% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
FDM and SYZ have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
FDM and SYZ have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.
FDM has the higher dividend yield at 1.21%, compared with 0.24% for SYZ.
They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Lazard.
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