FGSM vs. FARX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FGSM (Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF) and FARX (Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FGSM is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Frontier, while FARX is a Multistrategy fund actively managed by Frontier. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FGSM returned 34.02% vs 20.17% for FARX. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FGSM charges 0.90%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for FARX.

Performance

FGSM vs. FARX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FGSM achieves a 14.80% return, which is significantly higher than FARX's 9.75% return.

FGSM

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 2.70%
• YTD: 14.80%
• 6M: 16.77%
• 1Y: 34.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FARX

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 1.41%
• YTD: 9.75%
• 6M: 11.09%
• 1Y: 20.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FGSM vs. FARX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	14.80%	21.33%	0.24%
FARX Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF	9.75%	10.61%	0.35%

Correlation

The correlation between FGSM and FARX is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2024	0.54

The correlation between FGSM and FARX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FGSM vs. FARX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGSM

FGSM Risk / Return Rank: 69
FGSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
FGSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FGSM Omega Ratio Rank: 66
FGSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
FGSM Martin Ratio Rank: 72

FARX

FARX Risk / Return Rank: 90
FARX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
FARX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FARX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FARX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
FARX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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. FARX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) and Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF (FARX). 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.

	FGSM	FARX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	2.91	-0.60
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.26	3.97	-0.71
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.59	-0.18
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.50	7.46	-3.96
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.64	25.72	-12.08
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FGSM vs. FARX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGSM Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is comparable to the FARX Sharpe Ratio of 2.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGSM and FARX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FGSM	FARX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.31	2.91	-0.60
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.48	2.14	-0.66

Drawdowns

FGSM vs. FARX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGSM drawdown since its inception was -17.72%, which is greater than FARX's maximum drawdown of -5.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGSM and FARX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGSM	FARX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.72%	-5.83%	-11.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.84%	-2.80%	-7.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.10%	-0.17%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.22%	-1.02%	-1.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.53%	0.81%	+1.72%

Volatility

FGSM vs. FARX - Volatility Comparison

Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) has a higher volatility of 4.46% compared to Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF (FARX) at 1.40%. This indicates that FGSM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FARX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FGSM	FARX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.46%	1.40%	+3.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.01%	5.50%	+5.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.78%	6.98%	+7.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.82%	6.95%	+10.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.82%	6.95%	+10.87%

FGSM vs. FARX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGSM has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is lower than FARX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGSM vs. FARX - Dividend Comparison

FGSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than FARX's 2.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FARX Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF	2.88%	3.25%	0.19%
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	1.35%	1.56%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGSM and FARX in my portfolio?

FGSM and FARX have a correlation of 0.57, 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 FARX?

FGSM has higher volatility (4.46%) compared to FARX (1.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGSM dropped -17.72% vs FARX's -5.83%.

Which ETF is better, FGSM or FARX?

On 1-year performance, FGSM leads with 34.02% vs 20.17% for FARX. On fees, FGSM is cheaper at 0.90% per year. On volatility, FARX has been the lower-risk option at 1.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGSM or FARX?

Over the 1-year period, FGSM has performed better with a 34.02% return vs 20.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGSM or FARX?

FGSM is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for FARX.

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

FARX has the higher dividend yield at 2.88%, compared with 1.35% for FGSM.

What is the main difference between FGSM and FARX?

FGSM is categorized as Global Equities, while FARX is Multistrategy. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for FGSM and 1.00% for FARX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FARX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.91 vs 2.31), 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.