FMTM vs. XAR

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

FMTM (MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF) and XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FMTM is a Momentum fund, while XAR is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. FMTM is actively managed, while XAR is passively managed. Over the past year, FMTM returned 60.58% vs 42.07% for XAR. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FMTM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAR.

Performance

FMTM vs. XAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF (FMTM) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FMTM achieves a 28.93% return, which is significantly higher than XAR's 16.10% return.

FMTM

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: 1.16%
• YTD: 28.93%
• 6M: 30.60%
• 1Y: 60.58%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XAR

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: 7.38%
• YTD: 16.10%
• 6M: 18.39%
• 1Y: 42.07%
• 3Y*: 33.32%
• 5Y*: 16.58%
• 10Y*: 18.45%

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

FMTM vs. XAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FMTM MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF	28.93%	28.21%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	16.10%	45.37%

Correlation

The correlation between FMTM and XAR is 0.60, 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	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 20, 2025	0.57

The correlation between FMTM and XAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FMTM vs. XAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

FMTM

FMTM Risk / Return Rank: 87
FMTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FMTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FMTM Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FMTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FMTM Martin Ratio Rank: 91

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 49
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 44
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

FMTM vs. XAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF (FMTM) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). 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.

	FMTM	XAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	1.50	+1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	2.20	+0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.25	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.98	2.43	+2.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.05	6.81	+12.23

FMTM vs. XAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FMTM Sharpe Ratio is 2.55, which is higher than the XAR Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FMTM and XAR, 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

FMTM vs. XAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMTM drawdown since its inception was -12.12%, smaller than the maximum XAR drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMTM and XAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMTM	XAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.12%	-46.37%	+34.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.12%	-17.22%	+5.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.73%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.40%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.13%	-4.32%	+2.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.92%	-6.78%	+4.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	6.13%	-2.97%

Volatility

FMTM vs. XAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF (FMTM) is 8.43%, while SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) has a volatility of 11.46%. This indicates that FMTM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FMTM	XAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.43%	11.46%	-3.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.85%	23.56%	-4.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.67%	27.85%	-4.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.40%	23.66%	-0.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.40%	24.74%	-1.34%

FMTM vs. XAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMTM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than XAR's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMTM vs. XAR - Dividend Comparison

FMTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.23%, less than XAR's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FMTM MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF	0.23%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.31%	0.40%	0.66%	0.54%	0.50%	0.83%	0.63%	0.75%	1.19%	0.76%	1.09%	2.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMTM and XAR in my portfolio?

FMTM and XAR have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FMTM or XAR?

XAR has higher volatility (11.46%) compared to FMTM (8.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FMTM dropped -12.12% vs XAR's -46.37%.

Which ETF is better, FMTM or XAR?

On 1-year performance, FMTM leads with 60.58% vs 42.07% for XAR. On fees, XAR is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FMTM has been the lower-risk option at 8.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FMTM or XAR?

Over the 1-year period, FMTM has performed better with a 60.58% return vs 42.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMTM or XAR?

XAR is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FMTM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FMTM or XAR?

XAR has the higher dividend yield at 0.31%, compared with 0.23% for FMTM.

What is the main difference between FMTM and XAR?

FMTM is categorized as Momentum, while XAR is Aerospace & Defense. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FMTM and 0.35% for XAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FMTM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 1.50), 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.