MCDS vs. HELO

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MCDS (JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF) and HELO (JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MCDS is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by JPMorgan, while HELO is a Options Trading fund actively managed by JPMorgan. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MCDS returned 22.27% vs 10.94% for HELO. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MCDS charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for HELO.

Performance

MCDS vs. HELO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) and JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF (HELO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MCDS achieves a 13.38% return, which is significantly higher than HELO's 2.26% return.

MCDS

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 3.13%
• YTD: 13.38%
• 6M: 13.62%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HELO

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 2.26%
• 6M: 2.72%
• 1Y: 10.94%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MCDS vs. HELO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	13.38%	6.51%	9.83%
HELO JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF	2.26%	7.82%	7.87%

Correlation

The correlation between MCDS and HELO is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 9, 2024	0.76

The correlation between MCDS and HELO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

MCDS vs. HELO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MCDS	HELO
Industrials	18.2%	6.0%
Technology	17.3%	39.8%
Financial Services	13.5%	10.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.1%	11.6%
Healthcare	8.9%	8.2%
Energy	7.2%	3.3%
Real Estate	7.1%	1.8%
Utilities	6.5%	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	3.5%
Basic Materials	4.1%	1.5%
Communication Services	2.1%	10.9%

Return for Risk

MCDS vs. HELO — Risk / Return Rank

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

MCDS

MCDS Risk / Return Rank: 55
MCDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
MCDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
MCDS Omega Ratio Rank: 48
MCDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
MCDS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

HELO

HELO Risk / Return Rank: 51
HELO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
HELO Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
HELO Omega Ratio Rank: 59
HELO Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
HELO Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

MCDS vs. HELO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) and JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF (HELO). 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.

	MCDS	HELO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.77	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.50	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.36	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	1.91	+1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.12	8.44	+2.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MCDS vs. HELO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MCDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the HELO Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MCDS and HELO, 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

	MCDS	HELO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	1.77	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.00	1.63	-0.63

Drawdowns

MCDS vs. HELO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCDS drawdown since its inception was -22.50%, which is greater than HELO's maximum drawdown of -10.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCDS and HELO.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCDS	HELO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.50%	-10.89%	-11.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.47%	-5.76%	-1.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.32%	+0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.98%	-1.18%	-2.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	1.30%	+0.71%

Volatility

MCDS vs. HELO - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) has a higher volatility of 3.25% compared to JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF (HELO) at 0.70%. This indicates that MCDS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HELO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MCDS	HELO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.25%	0.70%	+2.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.86%	4.99%	+4.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.21%	6.20%	+7.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.94%	7.95%	+8.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.94%	7.95%	+8.99%

MCDS vs. HELO - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCDS has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than HELO's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCDS vs. HELO - Dividend Comparison

MCDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.06%, more than HELO's 0.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
HELO JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF	0.62%	0.67%	0.60%	0.19%
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	1.06%	1.23%	0.64%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MCDS and HELO in my portfolio?

MCDS and HELO have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MCDS or HELO?

MCDS has higher volatility (3.25%) compared to HELO (0.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MCDS dropped -22.50% vs HELO's -10.89%.

Which ETF is better, MCDS or HELO?

On 1-year performance, MCDS leads with 22.27% vs 10.94% for HELO. On fees, MCDS is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, HELO has been the lower-risk option at 0.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MCDS or HELO?

Over the 1-year period, MCDS has performed better with a 22.27% return vs 10.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MCDS or HELO?

MCDS is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for HELO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MCDS or HELO?

MCDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.06%, compared with 0.62% for HELO.

What is the main difference between MCDS and HELO?

MCDS is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while HELO is Options Trading. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for MCDS and 0.50% for HELO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HELO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.69), 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.