FSML vs. FYX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FSML (Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF) and FYX (First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. FSML is actively managed, while FYX is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSML charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for FYX.

Performance

FSML vs. FYX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) and First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSML achieves a 23.14% return, which is significantly lower than FYX's 26.96% return.

FSML

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 4.85%
• YTD: 23.14%
• 6M: 20.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FYX

• 1D: 1.49%
• 1M: 6.14%
• YTD: 26.96%
• 6M: 24.89%
• 1Y: 48.87%
• 3Y*: 22.46%
• 5Y*: 9.86%
• 10Y*: 13.63%

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

FSML vs. FYX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	23.14%	-3.75%
FYX First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	26.96%	-2.55%

Correlation

The correlation between FSML and FYX is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

FSML vs. FYX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSML

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

FYX

FYX Risk / Return Rank: 91
FYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
FYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
FYX Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
FYX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

FSML vs. FYX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) and First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX). 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.

	FSML	FYX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.69	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.78	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.45	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	6.50	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	21.15	—

Drawdowns

FSML vs. FYX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSML drawdown since its inception was -10.83%, smaller than the maximum FYX drawdown of -61.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSML and FYX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSML	FYX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.83%	-61.80%	+50.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.56%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.91%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.91%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-48.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.42%	-10.85%	+8.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.32%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FSML	FYX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.98%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.35%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.63%	18.36%	+2.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.63%	21.96%	-1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.63%	24.18%	-3.55%

FSML vs. FYX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSML has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FYX's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSML vs. FYX - Dividend Comparison

FSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%, less than FYX's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	0.15%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FYX First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	0.90%	0.64%	1.62%	1.22%	0.95%	0.99%	0.65%	1.12%	1.08%	0.60%	0.94%	0.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSML and FYX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, FSML and FYX 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 ETF is better, FSML or FYX?

On fees, FSML is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSML or FYX?

FSML is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FYX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FSML or FYX?

FYX has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.15% for FSML.

What is the main difference between FSML and FYX?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FSML and 0.63% for FYX.