FSCS vs. DBE
FSCS (First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF) and DBE (Invesco DB Energy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FSCS is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the SMID Capital Strength Index, while DBE is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FSCS returned 6.11%/yr vs 13.92%/yr for DBE. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FSCS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for DBE.
Performance
FSCS vs. DBE - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FSCS achieves a 2.47% return, which is significantly lower than DBE's 48.87% return.
FSCS
- 1D
- 1.07%
- 1M
- 2.48%
- YTD
- 2.47%
- 6M
- 0.63%
- 1Y
- 2.92%
- 3Y*
- 11.03%
- 5Y*
- 6.11%
- 10Y*
- —
DBE
- 1D
- -3.31%
- 1M
- -19.00%
- YTD
- 48.87%
- 6M
- 46.64%
- 1Y
- 44.16%
- 3Y*
- 15.52%
- 5Y*
- 13.92%
- 10Y*
- 9.75%
FSCS vs. DBE - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FSCS First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | 2.47% | 1.77% | 14.98% | 16.81% | -9.11% | 26.08% | 5.71% | 28.00% | -12.85% | 11.41% |
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund | 48.87% | -2.17% | 2.96% | -12.14% | 33.77% | 57.56% | -25.91% | 19.72% | -12.95% | 34.66% |
Correlation
The correlation between FSCS and DBE is -0.26, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.26 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.06 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.12 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2017 | 0.19 |
The correlation between FSCS and DBE shifts across timeframes, from -0.26 (1 year) to 0.19 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
FSCS vs. DBE — Risk / Return Rank
FSCS
DBE
FSCS vs. DBE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) and Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). 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.
| FSCS | DBE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.04 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.40 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.05 | 1.23 | -0.19 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.38 | 1.86 | -1.48 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 0.78 | 6.74 | -5.95 |
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Drawdowns
FSCS vs. DBE - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FSCS drawdown since its inception was -43.57%, smaller than the maximum DBE drawdown of -86.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSCS and DBE.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FSCS | DBE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -43.57% | -86.69% | +43.12% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -7.81% | -23.89% | +16.08% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.55% | -23.89% | +4.34% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -21.25% | -38.74% | +17.49% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -60.84% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.55% | -43.48% | +39.93% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.98% | -57.24% | +51.26% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.75% | 6.57% | -2.82% |
Volatility
FSCS vs. DBE - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) is 3.14%, while Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) has a volatility of 9.69%. This indicates that FSCS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| FSCS | DBE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.14% | 9.69% | -6.55% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 8.44% | 31.65% | -23.21% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 12.57% | 34.90% | -22.33% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.05% | 29.62% | -11.57% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.15% | 28.36% | -7.21% |
FSCS vs. DBE - Expense Ratio Comparison
FSCS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than DBE's 0.78% expense ratio.
Dividends
FSCS vs. DBE - Dividend Comparison
FSCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%, less than DBE's 2.60% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund | 2.60% | 3.86% | 6.32% | 3.87% | 0.75% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.79% | 1.67% | 0.00% |
FSCS First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | 0.88% | 0.75% | 1.12% | 1.47% | 1.71% | 1.21% | 1.33% | 1.68% | 1.67% | 0.67% |
Frequently Asked Questions
FSCS and DBE have a correlation of -0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
DBE has higher volatility (9.69%) compared to FSCS (3.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSCS dropped -43.57% vs DBE's -86.69%.
On 5-year performance, DBE leads with 13.92% vs 6.11% for FSCS. On fees, FSCS is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FSCS has been the lower-risk option at 3.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, DBE has performed better with a 13.92% return vs 6.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
FSCS is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for DBE.
DBE has the higher dividend yield at 2.60%, compared with 0.88% for FSCS.
FSCS is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while DBE is Oil & Gas. FSCS tracks SMID Capital Strength Index, while DBE tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FSCS and 0.78% for DBE.
DBE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.28 vs 0.23), 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.
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