MMAX vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MMAX is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by iShares, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MMAX returned 7.29% vs 26.86% for FAAR. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. MMAX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

MMAX vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF (MMAX) 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, MMAX achieves a 3.01% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 20.23% return.

MMAX

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 3.01%
• 6M: 3.19%
• 1Y: 7.29%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -4.34%
• YTD: 20.23%
• 6M: 19.92%
• 1Y: 26.86%
• 3Y*: 10.91%
• 5Y*: 7.89%
• 10Y*: 4.79%

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

MMAX vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF	3.01%	6.04%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	20.23%	4.11%

Correlation

The correlation between MMAX and FAAR is -0.06, 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	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2025	-0.03

Return for Risk

MMAX vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMAX

MMAX Risk / Return Rank: 98
MMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
MMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
MMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 98
MMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
MMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 70
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 58
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

MMAX vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF (MMAX) 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.

	MMAX	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	5.15	2.02	+3.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	9.29	2.89	+6.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	2.35	1.35	+1.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	15.86	4.75	+11.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	84.16	14.70	+69.46

MMAX vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MMAX Sharpe Ratio is 5.15, which is higher than the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MMAX 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

MMAX vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMAX drawdown since its inception was -1.93%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMAX and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMAX	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.93%	-18.03%	+16.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.46%	-5.68%	+5.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
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	-0.20%	-5.43%	+5.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.11%	-7.82%	+7.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.09%	1.89%	-1.80%

Volatility

MMAX vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF (MMAX) is 0.52%, while First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) has a volatility of 2.47%. This indicates that MMAX 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

	MMAX	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.52%	2.47%	-1.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.06%	9.68%	-8.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.42%	13.37%	-11.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.48%	12.95%	-10.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.48%	11.53%	-9.05%

MMAX vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMAX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

MMAX vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

MMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%, less than FAAR's 9.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.57%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
MMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF	1.28%	1.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MMAX and FAAR in my portfolio?

MMAX and FAAR have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MMAX or FAAR?

FAAR has higher volatility (2.47%) compared to MMAX (0.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MMAX dropped -1.93% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, MMAX or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, FAAR leads with 26.86% vs 7.29% for MMAX. On fees, MMAX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, MMAX has been the lower-risk option at 0.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MMAX or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 26.86% return vs 7.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MMAX or FAAR?

MMAX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

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

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.57%, compared with 1.28% for MMAX.

What is the main difference between MMAX and FAAR?

MMAX is categorized as Defined Outcome, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for MMAX and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.15 vs 2.02), 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.