FXR vs. MISL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FXR (First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund) and MISL (First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both Industrials Equities funds from First Trust - FXR tracks the StrataQuant Industrials Index while MISL tracks the Indxx US Aerospace & Defense Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FXR returned 15.76%/yr vs 25.99%/yr for MISL. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FXR charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for MISL.

Performance

FXR vs. MISL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund (FXR) and First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXR achieves a 9.23% return, which is significantly higher than MISL's 3.94% return.

FXR

• 1D: -1.51%
• 1M: 1.86%
• YTD: 9.23%
• 6M: 7.46%
• 1Y: 20.59%
• 3Y*: 15.76%
• 5Y*: 9.01%
• 10Y*: 13.33%

MISL

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: -4.53%
• YTD: 3.94%
• 6M: 1.02%
• 1Y: 23.02%
• 3Y*: 25.99%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FXR vs. MISL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FXR First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund	9.23%	7.56%	16.19%	26.98%	3.88%
MISL First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF	3.94%	41.24%	20.48%	14.78%	8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FXR and MISL is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2022	0.68

The correlation between FXR and MISL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

FXR vs. MISL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FXR	MISL
Industrials	70.5%	82.2%
Technology	10.3%	17.8%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	-
Basic Materials	6.2%	-
Financial Services	3.4%	-
Healthcare	0.7%	-
Utilities	0.7%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

FXR vs. MISL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXR

FXR Risk / Return Rank: 32
FXR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
FXR Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
FXR Omega Ratio Rank: 29
FXR Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
FXR Martin Ratio Rank: 34

MISL

MISL Risk / Return Rank: 28
MISL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
MISL Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
MISL Omega Ratio Rank: 26
MISL Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
MISL Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

FXR vs. MISL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund (FXR) and First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL). 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.

	FXR	MISL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.06	0.97	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	1.51	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.17	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	1.47	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.70	3.65	+1.05

FXR vs. MISL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXR Sharpe Ratio is 1.06, which is comparable to the MISL Sharpe Ratio of 0.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXR and MISL, 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

FXR vs. MISL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXR drawdown since its inception was -63.81%, which is greater than MISL's maximum drawdown of -17.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXR and MISL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXR	MISL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.81%	-17.91%	-45.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.66%	-15.69%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.65%	-17.91%	-8.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.85%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.67%	-12.81%	+8.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.34%	-3.58%	-6.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.39%	6.32%	-1.93%

Volatility

FXR vs. MISL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund (FXR) is 6.19%, while First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) has a volatility of 10.32%. This indicates that FXR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MISL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXR	MISL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.19%	10.32%	-4.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.19%	20.31%	-5.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.55%	23.90%	-4.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.67%	19.50%	+1.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.91%	19.50%	+2.41%

FXR vs. MISL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXR has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than MISL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXR vs. MISL - Dividend Comparison

FXR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, more than MISL's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXR First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund	0.62%	0.71%	0.72%	0.77%	0.92%	0.52%	1.06%	0.74%	1.18%	0.55%	0.52%	0.62%
MISL First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.37%	0.40%	0.74%	0.63%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXR and MISL in my portfolio?

FXR and MISL have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FXR or MISL?

MISL has higher volatility (10.32%) compared to FXR (6.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXR dropped -63.81% vs MISL's -17.91%.

Which ETF is better, FXR or MISL?

On 3-year performance, MISL leads with 25.99% vs 15.76% for FXR. On fees, MISL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FXR has been the lower-risk option at 6.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXR or MISL?

Over the 3-year period, MISL has performed better with a 25.99% return vs 15.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXR or MISL?

MISL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for FXR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FXR or MISL?

FXR has the higher dividend yield at 0.62%, compared with 0.37% for MISL.

What is the main difference between FXR and MISL?

FXR tracks StrataQuant Industrials Index, while MISL tracks Indxx US Aerospace & Defense Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for FXR and 0.60% for MISL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.06 vs 0.97), 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.