JSMD vs. SYLD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

JSMD (Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF) and SYLD (Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JSMD is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Janus Small Mid Cap Growth Alpha Index, while SYLD is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Cambria. JSMD is passively managed, while SYLD is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, JSMD returned 14.05%/yr vs 13.44%/yr for SYLD. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JSMD charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for SYLD.

Performance

JSMD vs. SYLD - 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 Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JSMD achieves a 21.03% return, which is significantly higher than SYLD's 13.94% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with JSMD having a 14.05% annualized return and SYLD not far behind at 13.44%.

JSMD

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 5.82%
• YTD: 21.03%
• 6M: 17.17%
• 1Y: 31.78%
• 3Y*: 19.09%
• 5Y*: 8.61%
• 10Y*: 14.05%

SYLD

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: -0.06%
• YTD: 13.94%
• 6M: 12.50%
• 1Y: 25.87%
• 3Y*: 12.50%
• 5Y*: 6.77%
• 10Y*: 13.44%

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

JSMD vs. SYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JSMD Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF	21.03%	9.25%	15.08%	26.81%	-22.84%	8.40%	30.79%	31.05%	-4.73%	24.46%
SYLD Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF	13.94%	3.94%	3.37%	16.46%	-6.14%	48.59%	13.61%	26.98%	-13.51%	20.03%

Correlation

The correlation between JSMD and SYLD is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2016	0.73

The correlation between JSMD and SYLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (1 year) to 0.76 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

JSMD vs. SYLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JSMD	SYLD
Technology	28.1%	2.1%
Industrials	23.3%	8.3%
Healthcare	18.7%	5.7%
Financial Services	8.9%	22.7%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	23.5%
Basic Materials	3.0%	8.0%
Communication Services	2.9%	6.0%
Real Estate	2.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	6.7%
Energy	1.1%	17.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

JSMD vs. SYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

JSMD

JSMD Risk / Return Rank: 43
JSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
JSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
JSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 40
JSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
JSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 45

SYLD

SYLD Risk / Return Rank: 57
SYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
SYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
SYLD 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.

JSMD vs. SYLD - 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 Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD). 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	SYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	1.66	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.07	2.54	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.29	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	3.75	-1.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.27	10.07	-2.81

JSMD vs. SYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JSMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is comparable to the SYLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JSMD and SYLD, 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. SYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JSMD drawdown since its inception was -38.98%, smaller than the maximum SYLD drawdown of -45.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JSMD and SYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	JSMD	SYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.98%	-45.36%	+6.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.86%	-6.93%	-7.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.01%	-26.62%	+2.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.18%	-26.62%	-5.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.98%	-45.36%	+6.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.78%	+2.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.45%	-5.65%	-1.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.38%	2.57%	+1.81%

Volatility

JSMD vs. SYLD - Volatility Comparison

Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) has a higher volatility of 7.24% compared to Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) at 3.51%. This indicates that JSMD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JSMD	SYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.24%	3.51%	+3.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.99%	9.80%	+7.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.78%	15.66%	+6.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.00%	20.47%	+2.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.83%	22.97%	-0.14%

JSMD vs. SYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

JSMD has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than SYLD's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

JSMD vs. SYLD - Dividend Comparison

JSMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, less than SYLD's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JSMD Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF	0.46%	0.54%	0.76%	0.44%	0.40%	0.28%	0.24%	0.32%	0.53%	0.30%	0.36%	0.00%
SYLD Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF	1.86%	2.25%	2.04%	1.92%	2.20%	2.37%	1.99%	2.08%	2.52%	1.57%	1.92%	6.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JSMD and SYLD in my portfolio?

JSMD and SYLD have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JSMD or SYLD?

JSMD has higher volatility (7.24%) compared to SYLD (3.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JSMD dropped -38.98% vs SYLD's -45.36%.

Which ETF is better, JSMD or SYLD?

On 10-year performance, JSMD leads with 14.05% vs 13.44% for SYLD. On fees, JSMD is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, SYLD has been the lower-risk option at 3.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JSMD or SYLD?

Over the 10-year period, JSMD has performed better with a 14.05% return vs 13.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JSMD or SYLD?

JSMD is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SYLD.

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

SYLD has the higher dividend yield at 1.86%, compared with 0.46% for JSMD.

What is the main difference between JSMD and SYLD?

JSMD is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while SYLD is Mid Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Janus Henderson and Cambria. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for JSMD and 0.59% for SYLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SYLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.47), 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.