KMID vs. FAD

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

KMID (Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF) and FAD (First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. KMID is actively managed, while FAD is passively managed. Over the past year, KMID returned 1.19% vs 35.19% for FAD. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KMID charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for FAD.

Performance

KMID vs. FAD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) 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, KMID achieves a 2.54% return, which is significantly lower than FAD's 17.81% return.

KMID

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: -0.04%
• YTD: 2.54%
• 6M: 2.10%
• 1Y: 1.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAD

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 5.36%
• YTD: 17.81%
• 6M: 16.71%
• 1Y: 35.19%
• 3Y*: 24.68%
• 5Y*: 11.36%
• 10Y*: 14.57%

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

KMID vs. FAD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KMID Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF	2.54%	0.31%	-2.93%
FAD First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	17.81%	17.23%	0.51%

Correlation

The correlation between KMID and FAD is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2024	0.74

The correlation between KMID and FAD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

KMID vs. FAD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KMID	FAD
Industrials	49.3%	26.1%
Technology	19.1%	24.1%
Financial Services	12.1%	8.0%
Healthcare	10.8%	15.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.8%	10.8%
Basic Materials	-	3.0%
Communication Services	-	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.4%
Energy	-	1.6%
Real Estate	-	4.1%
Utilities	-	1.6%

Return for Risk

KMID vs. FAD — Risk / Return Rank

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

KMID

KMID Risk / Return Rank: 10
KMID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
KMID Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
KMID Omega Ratio Rank: 10
KMID Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
KMID Martin Ratio Rank: 10

FAD

FAD Risk / Return Rank: 61
FAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
FAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
FAD Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FAD Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

KMID vs. FAD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) 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.

	KMID	FAD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.08	1.91	-1.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.23	2.64	-2.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.33	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.11	3.31	-3.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.28	12.78	-12.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KMID vs. FAD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KMID Sharpe Ratio is 0.08, which is lower than the FAD Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KMID 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	KMID	FAD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.08	1.91	-1.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.56	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.69	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.01	0.50	-0.51

Drawdowns

KMID vs. FAD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KMID drawdown since its inception was -18.89%, smaller than the maximum FAD drawdown of -54.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KMID and FAD.

Drawdown Indicators

	KMID	FAD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.89%	-54.33%	+35.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.71%	-10.66%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.55%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.99%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.65%	0.00%	-4.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.77%	-9.64%	+3.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.27%	2.76%	+1.51%

Volatility

KMID vs. FAD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) is 3.75%, while First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD) has a volatility of 5.82%. This indicates that KMID 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

	KMID	FAD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.75%	5.82%	-2.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.19%	14.15%	-2.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.35%	18.49%	-4.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.90%	20.53%	-3.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.90%	21.18%	-4.28%

KMID vs. FAD - Expense Ratio Comparison

KMID has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than FAD's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

KMID vs. FAD - Dividend Comparison

KMID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, 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%
KMID Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF	0.11%	0.06%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KMID and FAD in my portfolio?

KMID and FAD have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KMID or FAD?

FAD has higher volatility (5.82%) compared to KMID (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KMID dropped -18.89% vs FAD's -54.33%.

Which ETF is better, KMID or FAD?

On 1-year performance, FAD leads with 35.19% vs 1.19% for KMID. On fees, FAD is cheaper at 0.63% per year. On volatility, KMID has been the lower-risk option at 3.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KMID or FAD?

Over the 1-year period, FAD has performed better with a 35.19% return vs 1.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KMID or FAD?

FAD is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for KMID.

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

KMID has the higher dividend yield at 0.11%, compared with 0.09% for FAD.

What is the main difference between KMID and FAD?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for KMID and 0.63% for FAD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 0.08), 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.