FSCS vs. VFMO

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FSCS (First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF) and VFMO (Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FSCS is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the SMID Capital Strength Index, while VFMO is a Momentum fund actively managed by Vanguard. FSCS is passively managed, while VFMO is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FSCS returned 6.11%/yr vs 13.88%/yr for VFMO. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSCS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VFMO.

Performance

FSCS vs. VFMO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) and Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSCS achieves a 2.47% return, which is significantly lower than VFMO's 25.32% return.

FSCS

• 1D: 1.07%
• 1M: 2.48%
• YTD: 2.47%
• 6M: 0.63%
• 1Y: 2.92%
• 3Y*: 11.03%
• 5Y*: 6.11%
• 10Y*: —

VFMO

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 4.25%
• YTD: 25.32%
• 6M: 21.76%
• 1Y: 41.57%
• 3Y*: 27.70%
• 5Y*: 13.88%
• 10Y*: —

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

FSCS vs. VFMO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FSCS First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF	2.47%	1.77%	14.98%	16.81%	-9.11%	26.08%	5.71%	28.00%	-10.97%
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	25.32%	17.39%	26.14%	16.25%	-12.84%	19.16%	31.36%	28.22%	-11.41%

Correlation

The correlation between FSCS and VFMO is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2018	0.71

Over the past year, the correlation between FSCS and VFMO has dropped to 0.49 - well below their long-term average of 0.71, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FSCS vs. VFMO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSCS	VFMO
Financial Services	25.7%	6.5%
Industrials	23.8%	24.7%
Consumer Defensive	12.9%	2.5%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	8.7%
Technology	5.9%	17.5%
Healthcare	5.0%	22.9%
Real Estate	5.0%	0.1%
Basic Materials	3.0%	6.4%
Energy	3.0%	7.3%
Communication Services	2.0%	3.4%
Utilities	1.0%	0.2%

Return for Risk

FSCS vs. VFMO — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSCS

FSCS Risk / Return Rank: 12
FSCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
FSCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
FSCS Omega Ratio Rank: 11
FSCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
FSCS Martin Ratio Rank: 12

VFMO

VFMO Risk / Return Rank: 68
VFMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VFMO Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VFMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VFMO Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

FSCS vs. VFMO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) and Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO). 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	VFMO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.23	1.87	-1.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.45	2.47	-2.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.32	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.38	3.80	-3.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.78	14.13	-13.34

FSCS vs. VFMO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSCS Sharpe Ratio is 0.23, which is lower than the VFMO Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSCS and VFMO, 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

FSCS vs. VFMO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSCS drawdown since its inception was -43.57%, which is greater than VFMO's maximum drawdown of -36.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSCS and VFMO.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSCS	VFMO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.57%	-36.77%	-6.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.81%	-10.98%	+3.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.55%	-24.40%	+4.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.25%	-25.80%	+4.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.55%	-2.72%	-0.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.98%	-7.72%	+1.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.75%	2.95%	+0.80%

Volatility

FSCS vs. VFMO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) is 3.14%, while Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) has a volatility of 8.35%. This indicates that FSCS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFMO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSCS	VFMO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.14%	8.35%	-5.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.44%	17.38%	-8.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.57%	22.32%	-9.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.05%	21.89%	-3.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.15%	23.63%	-2.48%

FSCS vs. VFMO - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSCS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VFMO's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSCS vs. VFMO - Dividend Comparison

FSCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%, more than VFMO's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	0.39%	0.82%	0.72%	0.89%	1.72%	0.81%	0.45%	1.22%	0.70%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSCS and VFMO in my portfolio?

FSCS and VFMO have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSCS or VFMO?

VFMO has higher volatility (8.35%) compared to FSCS (3.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSCS dropped -43.57% vs VFMO's -36.77%.

Which ETF is better, FSCS or VFMO?

On 5-year performance, VFMO leads with 13.88% vs 6.11% for FSCS. On fees, VFMO is cheaper at 0.13% 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.

Which ETF has performed better, FSCS or VFMO?

Over the 5-year period, VFMO has performed better with a 13.88% return vs 6.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSCS or VFMO?

VFMO is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FSCS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FSCS or VFMO?

FSCS has the higher dividend yield at 0.88%, compared with 0.39% for VFMO.

What is the main difference between FSCS and VFMO?

FSCS is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while VFMO is Momentum. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FSCS and 0.13% for VFMO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFMO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 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.