NUMG vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

NUMG (Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NUMG is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Mid Cap Growth, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. NUMG is passively managed, while FAAR is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, NUMG returned -1.04%/yr vs 7.61%/yr for FAAR. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NUMG charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

NUMG vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NUMG) 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, NUMG achieves a -5.14% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 18.01% return.

NUMG

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: -2.10%
• YTD: -5.14%
• 6M: -6.91%
• 1Y: -4.50%
• 3Y*: 6.37%
• 5Y*: -1.04%
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: -5.18%
• YTD: 18.01%
• 6M: 17.71%
• 1Y: 28.64%
• 3Y*: 10.16%
• 5Y*: 7.61%
• 10Y*: 4.60%

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

NUMG vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NUMG Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF	-5.14%	0.78%	11.99%	20.47%	-28.31%	12.27%	45.73%	34.87%	-5.79%	19.00%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	18.01%	8.07%	5.97%	-5.63%	10.15%	12.34%	8.60%	-1.28%	-9.17%	5.00%

Correlation

The correlation between NUMG and FAAR is -0.08, 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	-0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.01
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2016	0.03

The correlation between NUMG and FAAR shifts across timeframes, from -0.08 (1 year) to 0.03 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NUMG vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUMG

NUMG Risk / Return Rank: 7
NUMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
NUMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
NUMG Omega Ratio Rank: 7
NUMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
NUMG Martin Ratio Rank: 7

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 79
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 72
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

NUMG vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NUMG) 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.

	NUMG	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.24	2.18	-2.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.22	3.12	-3.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.37	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.23	3.76	-3.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.58	14.47	-15.05

NUMG vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NUMG Sharpe Ratio is -0.24, which is lower than the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NUMG 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

NUMG vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUMG drawdown since its inception was -38.85%, which is greater than FAAR's maximum drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUMG and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUMG	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.85%	-18.03%	-20.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.71%	-7.66%	-12.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.58%	-11.54%	-15.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.85%	-18.03%	-20.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.65%	-7.18%	-6.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.37%	-7.82%	-3.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.82%	1.98%	+5.84%

Volatility

NUMG vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NUMG) has a higher volatility of 6.32% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.85%. This indicates that NUMG'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

	NUMG	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.32%	2.85%	+3.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.07%	9.79%	+5.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.62%	13.22%	+5.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.94%	12.97%	+9.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.86%	11.54%	+10.32%

NUMG vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUMG has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUMG vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

NUMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than FAAR's 10.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	10.25%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
NUMG Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.06%	0.18%	0.18%	12.76%	3.82%	0.27%	5.14%	0.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUMG and FAAR in my portfolio?

NUMG and FAAR have a correlation of -0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NUMG or FAAR?

NUMG has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to FAAR (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUMG dropped -38.85% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, NUMG or FAAR?

On 5-year performance, FAAR leads with 7.61% vs -1.04% for NUMG. On fees, NUMG is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NUMG or FAAR?

Over the 5-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 7.61% return vs -1.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUMG or FAAR?

NUMG is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

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

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 10.25%, compared with 0.01% for NUMG.

What is the main difference between NUMG and FAAR?

NUMG is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for NUMG and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs -0.24), 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.