MAVF vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MAVF (Matrix Advisors Value ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MAVF is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Matrix Asset Advisors, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MAVF returned 35.78% vs 40.27% for FAAR. At a correlation of -0.05, they often move in opposite directions. MAVF charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

MAVF vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matrix Advisors Value ETF (MAVF) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MAVF achieves a 12.63% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 25.13% return.

MAVF

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: 3.75%
• YTD: 12.63%
• 6M: 12.50%
• 1Y: 35.78%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: -0.49%
• YTD: 25.13%
• 6M: 21.92%
• 1Y: 40.27%
• 3Y*: 11.68%
• 5Y*: 7.97%
• 10Y*: 5.12%

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

MAVF vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MAVF Matrix Advisors Value ETF	12.63%	19.46%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	25.13%	6.21%

Correlation

The correlation between MAVF and FAAR is -0.15, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2025	-0.05

The correlation between MAVF and FAAR shifts across timeframes, from -0.15 (1 year) to -0.05 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MAVF vs. FAAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MAVF	FAAR
Financial Services	26.7%	100.0%
Technology	23.9%	-
Communication Services	15.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.9%	-
Industrials	8.4%	-
Healthcare	7.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

MAVF vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAVF

MAVF Risk / Return Rank: 75
MAVF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
MAVF Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
MAVF Omega Ratio Rank: 78
MAVF Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
MAVF Martin Ratio Rank: 72

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 90
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

MAVF vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matrix Advisors Value ETF (MAVF) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	MAVF	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	3.00	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	4.18	-0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.51	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	8.35	-5.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.38	23.34	-9.95
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MAVF vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MAVF Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is comparable to the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 3.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MAVF and FAAR, 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

	MAVF	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.57	3.00	-0.43
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.37	0.44	+0.93

Drawdowns

MAVF vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MAVF drawdown since its inception was -16.44%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MAVF and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	MAVF	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.44%	-18.03%	+1.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.94%	-4.85%	-6.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.57%	+1.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.41%	-7.84%	+5.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	1.73%	+0.95%

Volatility

MAVF vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

Matrix Advisors Value ETF (MAVF) has a higher volatility of 3.57% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.36%. This indicates that MAVF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MAVF	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.57%	2.36%	+1.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.62%	9.70%	+0.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.98%	13.49%	+0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.16%	13.01%	+6.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.16%	11.51%	+7.65%

MAVF vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

MAVF has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

MAVF vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

MAVF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than FAAR's 9.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.20%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
MAVF Matrix Advisors Value ETF	0.38%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MAVF and FAAR in my portfolio?

MAVF and FAAR have a correlation of -0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MAVF or FAAR?

MAVF has higher volatility (3.57%) compared to FAAR (2.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MAVF dropped -16.44% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, MAVF or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, FAAR leads with 40.27% vs 35.78% for MAVF. On fees, MAVF is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MAVF or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 40.27% return vs 35.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MAVF or FAAR?

MAVF is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MAVF or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.20%, compared with 0.38% for MAVF.

What is the main difference between MAVF and FAAR?

MAVF is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Matrix Asset Advisors and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for MAVF and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.00 vs 2.57), 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.