MCDS vs. OPTZ

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

MCDS (JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF) and OPTZ (Optimize Strategy Index ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. MCDS is actively managed, while OPTZ is passively managed. Over the past year, MCDS returned 21.68% vs 43.75% for OPTZ. Their correlation of 0.84 means they have usually moved in the same direction. MCDS charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OPTZ.

Performance

MCDS vs. OPTZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) and Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ). 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 OPTZ's 24.46% return.

MCDS

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

OPTZ

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -3.89%
• 6M: 20.35%
• YTD: 24.46%
• 1Y: 43.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 28.91%

*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)
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	$117.48K	$57.47K	$28.02K
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	$154.33K	$341.82K	$247.38K

MCDS vs. OPTZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	15.90%	6.51%	9.83%
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	24.46%	22.83%	15.87%

Correlation

The correlation between MCDS and OPTZ is 0.81, 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.	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 2024	0.84

The correlation between MCDS and OPTZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

MCDS vs. OPTZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MCDS	OPTZ
Technology	18.6%	56.6%
Industrials	17.2%	7.9%
Financial Services	12.9%	7.8%
Healthcare	11.0%	9.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	8.1%
Real Estate	6.7%	1.3%
Utilities	6.5%	0.6%
Energy	5.9%	1.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	3.6%
Basic Materials	3.6%	1.0%
Communication Services	2.5%	2.4%

Return for Risk

MCDS vs. OPTZ — 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

OPTZ

OPTZ Risk / Return Rank: 81
OPTZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
OPTZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
OPTZ Omega Ratio Rank: 77
OPTZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
OPTZ Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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. OPTZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) and Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ). 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	OPTZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.88	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	2.56	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.32	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.73	3.09	-0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.41	12.07	-1.66

MCDS vs. OPTZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MCDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the OPTZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MCDS and OPTZ, 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. OPTZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCDS drawdown since its inception was -22.50%, smaller than the maximum OPTZ drawdown of -25.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCDS and OPTZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCDS	OPTZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.50%	-25.75%	+3.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.47%	-13.39%	+5.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.50%	-9.85%	+9.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.72%	-3.51%	-0.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	3.42%	-1.47%

Volatility

MCDS vs. OPTZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) is 2.30%, while Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ) has a volatility of 8.76%. This indicates that MCDS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than OPTZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MCDS	OPTZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.30%	8.76%	-6.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.90%	18.77%	-8.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.31%	21.97%	-8.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.58%	21.88%	-5.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.58%	21.88%	-5.30%

MCDS vs. OPTZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCDS has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than OPTZ's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCDS vs. OPTZ - Dividend Comparison

MCDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, more than OPTZ's 0.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	1.04%	1.23%	0.64%
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	0.47%	0.58%	0.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MCDS and OPTZ in my portfolio?

MCDS and OPTZ have a correlation of 0.81, 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 OPTZ?

OPTZ has higher volatility (8.76%) compared to MCDS (2.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MCDS dropped -22.50% vs OPTZ's -25.75%.

Which ETF is better, MCDS or OPTZ?

On 1-year performance, OPTZ leads with 43.75% vs 21.68% for MCDS. On fees, OPTZ is cheaper at 0.25% 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 OPTZ?

Over the 1-year period, OPTZ has performed better with a 43.75% 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 OPTZ?

OPTZ is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for MCDS.

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

MCDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.47% for OPTZ.

What is the main difference between MCDS and OPTZ?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and Optimize. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for MCDS and 0.25% for OPTZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

OPTZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 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.