MCDS vs. LSAF

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

MCDS (JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF) and LSAF (LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. MCDS is actively managed, while LSAF is passively managed. Over the past year, MCDS returned 21.68% vs 30.03% for LSAF. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. MCDS charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for LSAF.

Performance

MCDS vs. LSAF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MCDS achieves a 15.90% return, which is significantly lower than LSAF's 19.96% return.

MCDS

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.05%
• 6M: 13.29%
• YTD: 15.90%
• 1Y: 21.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.65%

LSAF

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 2.49%
• 6M: 17.23%
• YTD: 19.96%
• 1Y: 30.03%
• 3Y*: 18.58%
• 5Y*: 10.90%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 11.02%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
LSAF LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF	$265.84K	$205.64K	$201.86K
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	$117.48K	$57.47K	$28.02K

MCDS vs. LSAF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	15.90%	6.51%	9.83%
LSAF LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF	19.96%	12.01%	10.91%

Correlation

The correlation between MCDS and LSAF is 0.87, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 2024	0.91

The correlation between MCDS and LSAF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

MCDS vs. LSAF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MCDS	LSAF
Technology	18.6%	15.4%
Industrials	17.2%	10.7%
Financial Services	12.9%	16.2%
Healthcare	11.0%	7.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	19.9%
Real Estate	6.7%	2.1%
Utilities	6.5%	0.9%
Energy	5.9%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.1%
Basic Materials	3.6%	5.8%
Communication Services	2.5%	4.7%

Return for Risk

MCDS vs. LSAF — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

MCDS

MCDS Risk / Return Rank: 71
MCDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
MCDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
MCDS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
MCDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
MCDS Martin Ratio Rank: 79

LSAF

LSAF Risk / Return Rank: 88
LSAF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
LSAF Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
LSAF Omega Ratio Rank: 82
LSAF Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
LSAF Martin Ratio Rank: 91

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

MCDS vs. LSAF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) and LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF). 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.

	MCDS	LSAF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	2.03	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	2.98	-0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.35	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.73	4.41	-1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.41	14.86	-4.45

MCDS vs. LSAF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MCDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the LSAF Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MCDS and LSAF, 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

MCDS vs. LSAF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCDS drawdown since its inception was -22.50%, smaller than the maximum LSAF drawdown of -41.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCDS and LSAF.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCDS	LSAF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.50%	-41.67%	+19.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.47%	-6.58%	-0.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.26%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.94%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.50%	-1.48%	+0.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.72%	-6.21%	+2.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	1.95%	0.00%

Volatility

MCDS vs. LSAF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) is 2.30%, while LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF) has a volatility of 4.21%. This indicates that MCDS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LSAF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MCDS	LSAF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.30%	4.21%	-1.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.90%	10.49%	-0.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.31%	14.36%	-1.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.58%	18.38%	-1.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.58%	21.73%	-5.15%

MCDS vs. LSAF - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCDS has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than LSAF's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCDS vs. LSAF - Dividend Comparison

MCDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, more than LSAF's 0.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
LSAF LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF	0.57%	0.69%	0.42%	0.84%	0.96%	0.37%	0.53%	0.71%	0.20%
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	1.04%	1.23%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MCDS and LSAF in my portfolio?

MCDS and LSAF have a correlation of 0.87, 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 LSAF?

LSAF has higher volatility (4.21%) compared to MCDS (2.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MCDS dropped -22.50% vs LSAF's -41.67%.

Which ETF is better, MCDS or LSAF?

On 1-year performance, LSAF leads with 30.03% vs 21.68% for MCDS. On fees, MCDS is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, MCDS has been the lower-risk option at 2.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MCDS or LSAF?

Over the 1-year period, LSAF has performed better with a 30.03% return vs 21.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MCDS or LSAF?

MCDS is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for LSAF.

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

MCDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.57% for LSAF.

What is the main difference between MCDS and LSAF?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and Redwood. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for MCDS and 0.75% for LSAF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LSAF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.53), 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.