MSSM vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MSSM (Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MSSM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Morgan Stanley, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MSSM returned 35.27% vs 28.33% for FAAR. At a 0.05 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MSSM charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

MSSM vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MSSM having a 18.58% return and FAAR slightly higher at 19.14%.

MSSM

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: 2.61%
• YTD: 18.58%
• 6M: 16.62%
• 1Y: 35.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 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)

MSSM vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	18.58%	11.33%	-7.04%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	19.14%	8.07%	0.69%

Correlation

The correlation between MSSM and FAAR is -0.03, 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	-0.03
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2024	0.05

Return for Risk

MSSM vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSSM

MSSM Risk / Return Rank: 71
MSSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
MSSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
MSSM Omega Ratio Rank: 60
MSSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
MSSM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

MSSM vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) 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.

	MSSM	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	2.15	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	3.09	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.37	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.73	4.52	-0.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.28	15.18	-0.89

MSSM vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSSM Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSSM 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

MSSM vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSSM drawdown since its inception was -25.16%, which is greater than FAAR's maximum drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSSM and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSSM	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.16%	-18.03%	-7.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.50%	-6.29%	-3.21%
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	-1.37%	-6.29%	+4.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.10%	-7.82%	+2.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.48%	1.87%	+0.61%

Volatility

MSSM vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) has a higher volatility of 5.93% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.55%. This indicates that MSSM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSSM	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.93%	2.55%	+3.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.39%	9.68%	+3.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.79%	13.38%	+4.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.99%	12.96%	+8.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.99%	11.54%	+9.45%

MSSM vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSSM has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSSM vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

MSSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, 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%
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	2.66%	3.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSSM and FAAR in my portfolio?

MSSM and FAAR have a correlation of -0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSSM or FAAR?

MSSM has higher volatility (5.93%) compared to FAAR (2.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSSM dropped -25.16% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, MSSM or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, MSSM leads with 35.27% vs 28.33% for FAAR. On fees, MSSM is cheaper at 0.62% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSSM or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, MSSM has performed better with a 35.27% return vs 28.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSSM or FAAR?

MSSM is cheaper with a 0.62% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

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

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.66%, compared with 2.66% for MSSM.

What is the main difference between MSSM and FAAR?

MSSM is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Morgan Stanley and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for MSSM and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.99), 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.