JSMD vs. FAD

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

JSMD (Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF) and FAD (First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds - JSMD tracks the Janus Small Mid Cap Growth Alpha Index while FAD tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Multi Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, JSMD returned 13.29%/yr vs 14.08%/yr for FAD. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JSMD charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for FAD.

Performance

JSMD vs. FAD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) and First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JSMD achieves a 18.95% return, which is significantly higher than FAD's 16.78% return. Over the past 10 years, JSMD has underperformed FAD with an annualized return of 13.29%, while FAD has yielded a comparatively higher 14.08% annualized return.

JSMD

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 0.77%
• 6M: 12.73%
• YTD: 18.95%
• 1Y: 23.82%
• 3Y*: 15.64%
• 5Y*: 8.69%
• 10Y*: 13.29%

FAD

• 1D: 0.86%
• 1M: -0.63%
• 6M: 11.50%
• YTD: 16.78%
• 1Y: 27.99%
• 3Y*: 21.12%
• 5Y*: 10.80%
• 10Y*: 14.08%

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

JSMD vs. FAD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JSMD Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF	18.95%	9.25%	15.08%	26.81%	-22.84%	8.40%	30.79%	31.05%	-4.73%	24.46%
FAD First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	16.78%	17.23%	23.85%	19.07%	-24.06%	21.17%	34.92%	26.66%	-6.45%	25.75%

Correlation

The correlation between JSMD and FAD is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2016	0.89

The correlation between JSMD and FAD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

JSMD vs. FAD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JSMD	FAD
Technology	28.1%	27.4%
Industrials	23.3%	25.0%
Healthcare	18.7%	14.8%
Financial Services	8.9%	7.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	10.1%
Basic Materials	3.0%	2.9%
Communication Services	2.9%	3.1%
Real Estate	2.8%	3.9%
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	2.2%
Energy	1.1%	1.3%
Utilities	-	1.5%

Return for Risk

JSMD vs. FAD — Risk / Return Rank

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

JSMD

JSMD Risk / Return Rank: 38
JSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
JSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
JSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
JSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
JSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 42

FAD

FAD Risk / Return Rank: 56
FAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
FAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
FAD Omega Ratio Rank: 47
FAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
FAD Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

JSMD vs. FAD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) and First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD). 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.

	JSMD	FAD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	1.40	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	1.97	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.24	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.61	2.64	-1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.39	9.55	-4.17

JSMD vs. FAD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JSMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is comparable to the FAD Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JSMD and FAD, 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

JSMD vs. FAD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JSMD drawdown since its inception was -38.98%, smaller than the maximum FAD drawdown of -54.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JSMD and FAD.

Drawdown Indicators

	JSMD	FAD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.98%	-54.33%	+15.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.86%	-10.66%	-4.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.01%	-23.55%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.18%	-31.99%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.98%	-37.25%	-1.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.35%	-5.53%	+1.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.42%	-9.60%	+2.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.43%	2.94%	+1.49%

Volatility

JSMD vs. FAD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) is 6.00%, while First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD) has a volatility of 6.68%. This indicates that JSMD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JSMD	FAD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.00%	6.68%	-0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.44%	15.91%	+1.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.17%	20.14%	+2.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.08%	20.85%	+2.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.81%	21.32%	+1.49%

JSMD vs. FAD - Expense Ratio Comparison

JSMD has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than FAD's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

JSMD vs. FAD - Dividend Comparison

JSMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%, more than FAD's 0.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAD First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	0.09%	0.09%	0.59%	0.51%	0.60%	0.09%	0.32%	0.48%	0.20%	0.22%	0.64%	0.41%
JSMD Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF	0.42%	0.54%	0.76%	0.44%	0.40%	0.28%	0.24%	0.32%	0.53%	0.30%	0.36%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JSMD and FAD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, JSMD and FAD 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 is riskier, JSMD or FAD?

FAD has higher volatility (6.68%) compared to JSMD (6.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JSMD dropped -38.98% vs FAD's -54.33%.

Which ETF is better, JSMD or FAD?

On 10-year performance, FAD leads with 14.08% vs 13.29% for JSMD. On fees, JSMD is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, JSMD has been the lower-risk option at 6.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JSMD or FAD?

Over the 10-year period, FAD has performed better with a 14.08% return vs 13.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JSMD or FAD?

JSMD is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FAD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JSMD or FAD?

JSMD has the higher dividend yield at 0.42%, compared with 0.09% for FAD.

What is the main difference between JSMD and FAD?

JSMD tracks Janus Small Mid Cap Growth Alpha Index, while FAD tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Multi Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Janus Henderson and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for JSMD and 0.63% for FAD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs 1.08), 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.