FGSM vs. FCBD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FGSM (Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF) and FCBD (Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FGSM is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Frontier, while FCBD is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Frontier. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FGSM returned 34.41% vs 3.85% for FCBD. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.90% expense ratio.

Performance

FGSM vs. FCBD - 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 Core Bond ETF (FCBD). 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 FCBD's 0.40% return.

FGSM

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

FCBD

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 0.40%
• 6M: 0.59%
• 1Y: 3.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FGSM vs. FCBD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	15.80%	21.33%	-0.27%
FCBD Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF	0.40%	6.29%	-0.02%

Correlation

The correlation between FGSM and FCBD is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 20, 2024	0.24

The correlation between FGSM and FCBD shifts across timeframes, from 0.24 (all time) to 0.36 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FGSM vs. FCBD — 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

FCBD

FCBD Risk / Return Rank: 48
FCBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
FCBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
FCBD Omega Ratio Rank: 48
FCBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
FCBD Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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. FCBD - 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 Core Bond ETF (FCBD). 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	FCBD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.27	1.66	+0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	2.47	+0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.30	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.51	2.36	+1.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.59	6.83	+6.76

FGSM vs. FCBD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGSM Sharpe Ratio is 2.27, which is higher than the FCBD Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGSM and FCBD, 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. FCBD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGSM drawdown since its inception was -17.72%, which is greater than FCBD's maximum drawdown of -1.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGSM and FCBD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGSM	FCBD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.72%	-1.64%	-16.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.84%	-1.64%	-8.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.80%	+0.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.17%	-0.37%	-1.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.54%	0.57%	+1.97%

Volatility

FGSM vs. FCBD - Volatility Comparison

Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) has a higher volatility of 4.73% compared to Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF (FCBD) at 0.75%. This indicates that FGSM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FCBD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FGSM	FCBD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.73%	0.75%	+3.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.59%	1.79%	+9.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.26%	2.34%	+12.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.84%	2.60%	+15.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.84%	2.60%	+15.24%

FGSM vs. FCBD - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FGSM and FCBD have an expense ratio of 0.90%.

Dividends

FGSM vs. FCBD - Dividend Comparison

FGSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%, less than FCBD's 4.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FCBD Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF	4.22%	4.34%	0.08%
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	1.34%	1.56%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGSM and FCBD in my portfolio?

FGSM and FCBD have a correlation of 0.36, 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 FCBD?

FGSM has higher volatility (4.73%) compared to FCBD (0.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGSM dropped -17.72% vs FCBD's -1.64%.

Which ETF is better, FGSM or FCBD?

On 1-year performance, FGSM leads with 34.41% vs 3.85% for FCBD. Both ETFs have the same 0.90% expense ratio. On volatility, FCBD has been the lower-risk option at 0.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGSM or FCBD?

Over the 1-year period, FGSM has performed better with a 34.41% return vs 3.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGSM or FCBD?

FGSM and FCBD have the same expense ratio: 0.90% per year.

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

FCBD has the higher dividend yield at 4.22%, compared with 1.34% for FGSM.

What is the main difference between FGSM and FCBD?

FGSM is categorized as Global Equities, while FCBD is Intermediate Core Bond.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 1.66), 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.