FYC vs. SMLV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FYC (First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund) and SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FYC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index, while SMLV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FYC returned 15.18%/yr vs 10.73%/yr for SMLV. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FYC charges 0.71%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for SMLV.

Performance

FYC vs. SMLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FYC achieves a 26.11% return, which is significantly higher than SMLV's 16.87% return. Over the past 10 years, FYC has outperformed SMLV with an annualized return of 15.18%, while SMLV has yielded a comparatively lower 10.73% annualized return.

FYC

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 5.93%
• YTD: 26.11%
• 6M: 22.06%
• 1Y: 60.03%
• 3Y*: 28.46%
• 5Y*: 11.13%
• 10Y*: 15.18%

SMLV

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 3.13%
• YTD: 16.87%
• 6M: 14.82%
• 1Y: 27.44%
• 3Y*: 17.62%
• 5Y*: 8.93%
• 10Y*: 10.73%

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

FYC vs. SMLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FYC First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	26.11%	24.24%	23.99%	14.52%	-25.86%	21.64%	32.34%	16.79%	-5.54%	22.97%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	16.87%	5.66%	16.77%	7.52%	-7.69%	27.67%	-1.55%	24.10%	-6.62%	5.68%

Correlation

The correlation between FYC and SMLV is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2013	0.80

The correlation between FYC and SMLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

FYC vs. SMLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FYC	SMLV
Healthcare	25.3%	8.7%
Industrials	18.7%	14.2%
Technology	17.5%	11.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	8.9%
Financial Services	8.9%	30.4%
Real Estate	5.7%	12.3%
Communication Services	3.7%	2.2%
Basic Materials	3.7%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	4.0%
Energy	2.2%	1.6%
Utilities	1.6%	2.8%

Return for Risk

FYC vs. SMLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

FYC

FYC Risk / Return Rank: 87
FYC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FYC Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FYC Omega Ratio Rank: 78
FYC Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FYC Martin Ratio Rank: 91

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 59
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 52
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
SMLV Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

FYC vs. SMLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV). 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.

	FYC	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.79	1.76	+1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.68	2.51	+1.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.32	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.76	3.75	+2.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.86	10.36	+10.49

FYC vs. SMLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FYC Sharpe Ratio is 2.79, which is higher than the SMLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FYC and SMLV, 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

FYC vs. SMLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FYC drawdown since its inception was -47.85%, which is greater than SMLV's maximum drawdown of -42.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FYC and SMLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FYC	SMLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.85%	-42.45%	-5.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.48%	-7.34%	-3.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.79%	-20.40%	-7.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.37%	-20.40%	-14.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.85%	-42.45%	-5.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.23%	+1.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.63%	-5.44%	-4.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.89%	2.65%	+0.24%

Volatility

FYC vs. SMLV - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) has a higher volatility of 6.93% compared to SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) at 3.46%. This indicates that FYC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FYC	SMLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.93%	3.46%	+3.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.77%	9.90%	+5.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.68%	15.71%	+5.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.73%	18.26%	+5.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.64%	20.96%	+3.68%

FYC vs. SMLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

FYC has a 0.71% expense ratio, which is higher than SMLV's 0.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

FYC vs. SMLV - Dividend Comparison

FYC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than SMLV's 2.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FYC First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	0.06%	0.08%	0.72%	0.58%	0.00%	0.63%	0.12%	0.39%	0.09%	0.10%	0.31%	0.21%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.88%	2.74%	2.68%	2.68%	2.40%	2.12%	2.47%	2.62%	3.15%	7.92%	3.04%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FYC and SMLV in my portfolio?

FYC and SMLV have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FYC or SMLV?

FYC has higher volatility (6.93%) compared to SMLV (3.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FYC dropped -47.85% vs SMLV's -42.45%.

Which ETF is better, FYC or SMLV?

On 10-year performance, FYC leads with 15.18% vs 10.73% for SMLV. On fees, SMLV is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, SMLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FYC or SMLV?

Over the 10-year period, FYC has performed better with a 15.18% return vs 10.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FYC or SMLV?

SMLV is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.71% for FYC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FYC or SMLV?

SMLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.88%, compared with 0.06% for FYC.

What is the main difference between FYC and SMLV?

FYC is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while SMLV is Volatility Hedged Equity. FYC tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index, while SMLV tracks SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.71% for FYC and 0.12% for SMLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FYC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 1.76), 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.