MKAM vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MKAM (MKAM ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MKAM is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by MKAM, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, MKAM returned 9.89%/yr vs 10.57%/yr for FAAR. At a 0.02 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MKAM charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

MKAM vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MKAM ETF (MKAM) 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, MKAM achieves a 4.60% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 19.14% return.

MKAM

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 4.60%
• 6M: 4.47%
• 1Y: 13.71%
• 3Y*: 9.89%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.91%
• 1M: -5.21%
• YTD: 19.14%
• 6M: 18.06%
• 1Y: 28.33%
• 3Y*: 10.57%
• 5Y*: 7.72%
• 10Y*: 4.69%

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

MKAM vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MKAM MKAM ETF	4.60%	8.07%	12.15%	7.69%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	19.14%	8.07%	5.97%	-5.68%

Correlation

The correlation between MKAM and FAAR is -0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 12, 2023	0.02

Return for Risk

MKAM vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

MKAM

MKAM Risk / Return Rank: 71
MKAM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
MKAM Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
MKAM Omega Ratio Rank: 71
MKAM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
MKAM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 75
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 65
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

MKAM vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MKAM ETF (MKAM) 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.

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.

	MKAM	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	2.15	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.98	3.09	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.37	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	4.52	-0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.59	15.18	-1.59

MKAM vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MKAM Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is comparable to the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MKAM 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.

Drawdowns

MKAM vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MKAM drawdown since its inception was -5.01%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MKAM and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	MKAM	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.01%	-18.03%	+13.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.72%	-6.29%	+2.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.01%	-11.54%	+6.53%
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	-0.86%	-6.29%	+5.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.13%	-7.82%	+6.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	1.87%	-0.86%

Volatility

MKAM vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MKAM ETF (MKAM) is 2.30%, while First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) has a volatility of 2.55%. This indicates that MKAM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MKAM	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.30%	2.55%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.90%	9.68%	-4.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.39%	13.38%	-6.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.30%	12.96%	-6.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.30%	11.54%	-5.24%

MKAM vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

MKAM has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

MKAM vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

MKAM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.92%, less than FAAR's 9.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.66%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
MKAM MKAM ETF	2.92%	2.56%	1.88%	1.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MKAM and FAAR in my portfolio?

MKAM and FAAR have a correlation of -0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MKAM or FAAR?

FAAR has higher volatility (2.55%) compared to MKAM (2.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MKAM dropped -5.01% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, MKAM or FAAR?

On 3-year performance, FAAR leads with 10.57% vs 9.89% for MKAM. On fees, FAAR is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, MKAM 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, MKAM or FAAR?

Over the 3-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 10.57% return vs 9.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MKAM or FAAR?

FAAR is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for MKAM.

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

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.66%, compared with 2.92% for MKAM.

What is the main difference between MKAM and FAAR?

MKAM is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: MKAM and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for MKAM and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MKAM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 2.15), 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.