JMCRX vs. FDM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

JMCRX (James Micro Cap Fund) and FDM (First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund) are both funds - JMCRX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by James Advantage, while FDM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones Select Microcap Index. Over the past 10 years, JMCRX returned 9.64%/yr vs 12.20%/yr for FDM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JMCRX charges 1.51%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FDM.

Performance

JMCRX vs. FDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in James Micro Cap Fund (JMCRX) and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JMCRX achieves a 18.52% return, which is significantly higher than FDM's 13.00% return. Over the past 10 years, JMCRX has underperformed FDM with an annualized return of 9.64%, while FDM has yielded a comparatively higher 12.20% annualized return.

JMCRX

• 1D: 1.54%
• 1M: 4.08%
• YTD: 18.52%
• 6M: 15.35%
• 1Y: 34.06%
• 3Y*: 16.01%
• 5Y*: 9.88%
• 10Y*: 9.64%

FDM

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 3.86%
• YTD: 13.00%
• 6M: 10.95%
• 1Y: 31.34%
• 3Y*: 19.66%
• 5Y*: 9.59%
• 10Y*: 12.20%

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

JMCRX vs. FDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JMCRX James Micro Cap Fund	18.52%	4.37%	5.95%	31.72%	-17.33%	36.27%	-4.21%	30.55%	-16.62%	2.88%
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	13.00%	18.64%	13.00%	12.76%	-11.61%	35.08%	-4.04%	27.45%	-13.53%	8.72%

Correlation

The correlation between JMCRX and FDM is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 7, 2010	0.88

The correlation between JMCRX and FDM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JMCRX vs. FDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

JMCRX

JMCRX Risk / Return Rank: 52
JMCRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
JMCRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
JMCRX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
JMCRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
JMCRX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

FDM

FDM Risk / Return Rank: 55
FDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
FDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
FDM Omega Ratio Rank: 46
FDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FDM Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

JMCRX vs. FDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for James Micro Cap Fund (JMCRX) and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM). 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.

	JMCRX	FDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.67	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.43	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.29	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.42	3.39	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.52	10.21	-0.69

JMCRX vs. FDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JMCRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the FDM Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JMCRX and FDM, 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

JMCRX vs. FDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JMCRX drawdown since its inception was -46.65%, smaller than the maximum FDM drawdown of -63.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JMCRX and FDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	JMCRX	FDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.65%	-63.45%	+16.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.92%	-9.30%	-0.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.90%	-23.47%	-3.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.90%	-23.74%	-3.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.65%	-47.76%	+1.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.51%	+0.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.40%	-11.32%	+3.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.56%	3.08%	+0.48%

Volatility

JMCRX vs. FDM - Volatility Comparison

James Micro Cap Fund (JMCRX) has a higher volatility of 5.46% compared to First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM) at 4.77%. This indicates that JMCRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JMCRX	FDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.46%	4.77%	+0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.02%	13.23%	-0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.69%	18.87%	-0.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.87%	21.40%	-0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.69%	23.38%	-1.69%

JMCRX vs. FDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

JMCRX has a 1.51% expense ratio, which is higher than FDM's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

JMCRX vs. FDM - Dividend Comparison

JMCRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.86%, less than FDM's 1.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	1.22%	1.43%	1.56%	1.81%	1.80%	1.08%	1.68%	1.37%	1.26%	0.97%	1.13%	1.45%
JMCRX James Micro Cap Fund	0.86%	1.02%	1.43%	0.63%	9.14%	3.84%	0.53%	6.35%	6.71%	7.80%	0.00%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JMCRX and FDM in my portfolio?

JMCRX and FDM have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JMCRX or FDM?

JMCRX has higher volatility (5.46%) compared to FDM (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JMCRX dropped -46.65% vs FDM's -63.45%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JMCRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.67), 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.