FGSM vs. ABLS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FGSM (Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF) and ABLS (Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FGSM is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Frontier, while ABLS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders Index. FGSM is actively managed, while ABLS is passively managed. Over the past year, FGSM returned 34.41% vs 9.52% for ABLS. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FGSM charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for ABLS.

Performance

FGSM vs. ABLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) and Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF (ABLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FGSM achieves a 15.80% return, which is significantly higher than ABLS's 11.02% return.

FGSM

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 2.30%
• YTD: 15.80%
• 6M: 14.33%
• 1Y: 34.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ABLS

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 7.96%
• YTD: 11.02%
• 6M: 7.56%
• 1Y: 9.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FGSM vs. ABLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	15.80%	16.43%
ABLS Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF	11.02%	-8.72%

Correlation

The correlation between FGSM and ABLS is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2025	0.77

The correlation between FGSM and ABLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FGSM vs. ABLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGSM

FGSM Risk / Return Rank: 73
FGSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
FGSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FGSM Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FGSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FGSM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

ABLS

ABLS Risk / Return Rank: 16
ABLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
ABLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
ABLS Omega Ratio Rank: 16
ABLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
ABLS Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

FGSM vs. ABLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) and Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF (ABLS). 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.

	FGSM	ABLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.27	0.54	+1.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	0.88	+2.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.10	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.51	0.59	+2.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.59	1.64	+11.95

FGSM vs. ABLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGSM Sharpe Ratio is 2.27, which is higher than the ABLS Sharpe Ratio of 0.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGSM and ABLS, 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

FGSM vs. ABLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGSM drawdown since its inception was -17.72%, smaller than the maximum ABLS drawdown of -19.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGSM and ABLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGSM	ABLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.72%	-19.28%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.84%	-16.19%	+6.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.17%	-8.21%	+6.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.54%	5.81%	-3.27%

Volatility

FGSM vs. ABLS - Volatility Comparison

Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) and Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF (ABLS) have volatilities of 4.73% and 4.64%, 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

	FGSM	ABLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.73%	4.64%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.59%	13.12%	-1.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.26%	17.75%	-2.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.84%	21.20%	-3.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.84%	21.20%	-3.36%

FGSM vs. ABLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGSM has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than ABLS's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGSM vs. ABLS - Dividend Comparison

FGSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%, less than ABLS's 12.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
ABLS Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF	12.66%	14.04%
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	1.34%	1.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGSM and ABLS in my portfolio?

FGSM and ABLS have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FGSM or ABLS?

FGSM has higher volatility (4.73%) compared to ABLS (4.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGSM dropped -17.72% vs ABLS's -19.28%.

Which ETF is better, FGSM or ABLS?

On 1-year performance, FGSM leads with 34.41% vs 9.52% for ABLS. On fees, ABLS is cheaper at 0.39% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGSM or ABLS?

Over the 1-year period, FGSM has performed better with a 34.41% return vs 9.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGSM or ABLS?

ABLS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for FGSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FGSM or ABLS?

ABLS has the higher dividend yield at 12.66%, compared with 1.34% for FGSM.

What is the main difference between FGSM and ABLS?

FGSM is categorized as Global Equities, while ABLS is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Frontier and Abacus. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for FGSM and 0.39% for ABLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 0.54), 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.