MCDS vs. SPMD

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MCDS (JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF) and SPMD (SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. MCDS is actively managed, while SPMD is passively managed. Over the past year, MCDS returned 22.27% vs 26.21% for SPMD. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MCDS charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for SPMD.

Performance

MCDS vs. SPMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD). 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 lower than SPMD's 14.54% return.

MCDS

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

SPMD

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 2.89%
• YTD: 14.54%
• 6M: 14.24%
• 1Y: 26.21%
• 3Y*: 16.67%
• 5Y*: 8.28%
• 10Y*: 11.39%

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

MCDS vs. SPMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	13.38%	6.51%	9.83%
SPMD SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF	14.54%	7.44%	7.01%

Correlation

The correlation between MCDS and SPMD is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 9, 2024	0.96

The correlation between MCDS and SPMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MCDS vs. SPMD — 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

SPMD

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

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. SPMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD). 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	SPMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.70	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.47	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.30	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	2.97	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.12	10.91	+0.20
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. SPMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MCDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the SPMD Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MCDS and SPMD, 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	SPMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	1.70	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.42	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.00	0.45	+0.55

Drawdowns

MCDS vs. SPMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCDS drawdown since its inception was -22.50%, smaller than the maximum SPMD drawdown of -57.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCDS and SPMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCDS	SPMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.50%	-57.62%	+35.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.47%	-8.86%	+1.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.08%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.08%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.98%	-8.12%	+4.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	2.41%	-0.40%

Volatility

MCDS vs. SPMD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) is 3.25%, while SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD) has a volatility of 4.23%. This indicates that MCDS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MCDS	SPMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.25%	4.23%	-0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.86%	11.36%	-1.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.21%	15.53%	-2.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.94%	19.70%	-2.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.94%	21.18%	-4.24%

MCDS vs. SPMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCDS has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than SPMD's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCDS vs. SPMD - Dividend Comparison

MCDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.06%, less than SPMD's 1.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	1.06%	1.23%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPMD SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF	1.22%	1.39%	1.42%	1.47%	1.64%	1.24%	1.30%	1.57%	1.85%	1.97%	2.13%	5.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MCDS and SPMD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, MCDS and SPMD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MCDS or SPMD?

SPMD has higher volatility (4.23%) compared to MCDS (3.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MCDS dropped -22.50% vs SPMD's -57.62%.

Which ETF is better, MCDS or SPMD?

On 1-year performance, SPMD leads with 26.21% vs 22.27% for MCDS. On fees, SPMD is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, MCDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MCDS or SPMD?

Over the 1-year period, SPMD has performed better with a 26.21% return vs 22.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MCDS or SPMD?

SPMD is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for MCDS.

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

SPMD has the higher dividend yield at 1.22%, compared with 1.06% for MCDS.

What is the main difference between MCDS and SPMD?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for MCDS and 0.05% for SPMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 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.