FGSM vs. SMDX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FGSM (Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF) and SMDX (Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FGSM is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Frontier, while SMDX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Intech. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FGSM returned 33.04% vs 30.60% for SMDX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FGSM charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMDX.

Performance

FGSM vs. SMDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FGSM achieves a 15.70% return, which is significantly lower than SMDX's 17.33% return.

FGSM

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 15.70%
• 6M: 13.99%
• 1Y: 33.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMDX

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 2.70%
• YTD: 17.33%
• 6M: 14.97%
• 1Y: 30.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FGSM vs. SMDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	15.70%	21.82%
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	17.33%	14.46%

Correlation

The correlation between FGSM and SMDX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2025	0.89

The correlation between FGSM and SMDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FGSM vs. SMDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGSM

FGSM Risk / Return Rank: 76
FGSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
FGSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FGSM Omega Ratio Rank: 74
FGSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
FGSM Martin Ratio Rank: 77

SMDX

SMDX Risk / Return Rank: 69
SMDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SMDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
SMDX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SMDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
SMDX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. SMDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX). 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	SMDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	1.85	+0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	2.72	+0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.33	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.37	3.55	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.04	12.34	+0.70

FGSM vs. SMDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGSM Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the SMDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGSM and SMDX, 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. SMDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGSM drawdown since its inception was -17.72%, which is greater than SMDX's maximum drawdown of -14.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGSM and SMDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGSM	SMDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.72%	-14.52%	-3.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.84%	-8.66%	-1.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	0.00%	-0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.15%	-2.30%	+0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.54%	2.49%	+0.05%

Volatility

FGSM vs. SMDX - Volatility Comparison

Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) has a higher volatility of 4.66% compared to Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) at 4.04%. This indicates that FGSM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FGSM	SMDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.66%	4.04%	+0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.62%	11.79%	-0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.24%	16.62%	-1.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.80%	20.94%	-3.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.80%	20.94%	-3.14%

FGSM vs. SMDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGSM has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than SMDX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGSM vs. SMDX - Dividend Comparison

FGSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%, more than SMDX's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	1.34%	1.56%
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	0.52%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGSM and SMDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FGSM and SMDX 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, FGSM or SMDX?

FGSM has higher volatility (4.66%) compared to SMDX (4.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGSM dropped -17.72% vs SMDX's -14.52%.

Which ETF is better, FGSM or SMDX?

On 1-year performance, FGSM leads with 33.04% vs 30.60% for SMDX. On fees, SMDX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, SMDX has been the lower-risk option at 4.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGSM or SMDX?

Over the 1-year period, FGSM has performed better with a 33.04% return vs 30.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGSM or SMDX?

SMDX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for FGSM.

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

FGSM has the higher dividend yield at 1.34%, compared with 0.52% for SMDX.

What is the main difference between FGSM and SMDX?

FGSM is categorized as Global Equities, while SMDX is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Frontier and Intech. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for FGSM and 0.35% for SMDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 1.85), 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.