PVAL vs. FSMD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

PVAL (Putnam Focused Large Cap Value ETF) and FSMD (Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PVAL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Putnam, while FSMD is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index. PVAL is actively managed, while FSMD is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PVAL returned 16.29%/yr vs 10.00%/yr for FSMD. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PVAL charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for FSMD.

Performance

PVAL vs. FSMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam Focused Large Cap Value ETF (PVAL) and Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PVAL achieves a 13.07% return, which is significantly lower than FSMD's 17.58% return.

PVAL

• 1D: 1.06%
• 1M: 3.05%
• YTD: 13.07%
• 6M: 13.55%
• 1Y: 32.98%
• 3Y*: 23.14%
• 5Y*: 16.29%
• 10Y*: —

FSMD

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 6.31%
• YTD: 17.58%
• 6M: 15.58%
• 1Y: 29.65%
• 3Y*: 17.46%
• 5Y*: 10.00%
• 10Y*: —

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

PVAL vs. FSMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PVAL Putnam Focused Large Cap Value ETF	13.07%	24.13%	19.30%	18.41%	-2.61%	11.77%
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	17.58%	8.70%	15.18%	17.37%	-11.15%	7.87%

Correlation

The correlation between PVAL and FSMD is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2021	0.88

The correlation between PVAL and FSMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

PVAL vs. FSMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PVAL	FSMD
Financial Services	19.1%	14.8%
Healthcare	12.6%	11.7%
Industrials	12.1%	20.1%
Technology	11.9%	20.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	10.6%
Energy	8.4%	4.1%
Consumer Defensive	8.3%	3.1%
Communication Services	5.8%	2.9%
Utilities	5.0%	2.1%
Basic Materials	4.4%	4.0%
Real Estate	2.1%	6.2%

Return for Risk

PVAL vs. FSMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

PVAL

PVAL Risk / Return Rank: 90
PVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
PVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 91
PVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
PVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 88

FSMD

FSMD Risk / Return Rank: 66
FSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
FSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 58
FSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

PVAL vs. FSMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam Focused Large Cap Value ETF (PVAL) and Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD). 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.

	PVAL	FSMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.89	1.78	+1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.03	2.58	+1.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.31	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.45	3.30	+1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.87	11.89	+4.99

PVAL vs. FSMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PVAL Sharpe Ratio is 2.89, which is higher than the FSMD Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PVAL and FSMD, 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

PVAL vs. FSMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PVAL drawdown since its inception was -16.64%, smaller than the maximum FSMD drawdown of -40.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PVAL and FSMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	PVAL	FSMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.64%	-40.67%	+24.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.22%	-8.44%	+1.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.42%	-22.16%	+6.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.64%	-22.16%	+5.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.01%	-5.98%	+2.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.90%	2.34%	-0.44%

Volatility

PVAL vs. FSMD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Putnam Focused Large Cap Value ETF (PVAL) is 3.68%, while Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) has a volatility of 5.14%. This indicates that PVAL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FSMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PVAL	FSMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.68%	5.14%	-1.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.57%	11.85%	-3.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.12%	15.69%	-4.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.32%	18.55%	-3.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.25%	21.43%	-6.18%

PVAL vs. FSMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

PVAL has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than FSMD's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

PVAL vs. FSMD - Dividend Comparison

PVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%, less than FSMD's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	1.18%	1.33%	1.29%	1.37%	1.54%	1.18%	1.32%	1.37%
PVAL Putnam Focused Large Cap Value ETF	0.97%	1.00%	1.34%	1.33%	0.59%	0.47%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PVAL and FSMD in my portfolio?

PVAL and FSMD have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PVAL or FSMD?

FSMD has higher volatility (5.14%) compared to PVAL (3.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PVAL dropped -16.64% vs FSMD's -40.67%.

Which ETF is better, PVAL or FSMD?

On 5-year performance, PVAL leads with 16.29% vs 10.00% for FSMD. On fees, FSMD is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, PVAL has been the lower-risk option at 3.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PVAL or FSMD?

Over the 5-year period, PVAL has performed better with a 16.29% return vs 10.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PVAL or FSMD?

FSMD is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PVAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PVAL or FSMD?

FSMD has the higher dividend yield at 1.18%, compared with 0.97% for PVAL.

What is the main difference between PVAL and FSMD?

PVAL is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while FSMD is Small Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Putnam and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for PVAL and 0.29% for FSMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.89 vs 1.78), 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.