QSMLX vs. FRDM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QSMLX (AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund) and FRDM (Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF) are both funds - QSMLX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by AQR Funds, while FRDM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Life + Liberty Freedom 100 Emerging Markets Index. Over the past 5 years, QSMLX returned 11.01%/yr vs 19.30%/yr for FRDM. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QSMLX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for FRDM.

Performance

QSMLX vs. FRDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund (QSMLX) and Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QSMLX achieves a 22.03% return, which is significantly lower than FRDM's 44.61% return.

QSMLX

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 5.02%
• YTD: 22.03%
• 6M: 20.37%
• 1Y: 43.86%
• 3Y*: 23.64%
• 5Y*: 11.01%
• 10Y*: 12.39%

FRDM

• 1D: -1.30%
• 1M: 17.06%
• YTD: 44.61%
• 6M: 53.16%
• 1Y: 97.46%
• 3Y*: 37.08%
• 5Y*: 19.30%
• 10Y*: —

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

QSMLX vs. FRDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
QSMLX AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund	22.03%	17.41%	11.02%	24.01%	-18.31%	26.54%	17.99%	11.94%
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	44.61%	61.27%	1.70%	22.77%	-14.45%	6.13%	16.90%	12.33%

Correlation

The correlation between QSMLX and FRDM is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 24, 2019	0.63

The correlation between QSMLX and FRDM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QSMLX vs. FRDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSMLX

QSMLX Risk / Return Rank: 70
QSMLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
QSMLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
QSMLX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
QSMLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QSMLX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

FRDM

FRDM Risk / Return Rank: 93
FRDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FRDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FRDM Omega Ratio Rank: 93
FRDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FRDM Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

QSMLX vs. FRDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund (QSMLX) and Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM). 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.

	QSMLX	FRDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	4.00	-1.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	4.65	-1.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.67	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.92	5.81	-0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.76	23.37	-6.61
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QSMLX vs. FRDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSMLX Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is lower than the FRDM Sharpe Ratio of 4.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSMLX and FRDM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QSMLX	FRDM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.35	4.00	-1.65
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49	0.93	-0.44
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.85	-0.39

Drawdowns

QSMLX vs. FRDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSMLX drawdown since its inception was -44.38%, which is greater than FRDM's maximum drawdown of -40.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSMLX and FRDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSMLX	FRDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.38%	-40.49%	-3.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.33%	-16.87%	+7.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.69%	-16.87%	-6.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.21%	-29.25%	-0.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.38%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.30%	+1.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.18%	-7.09%	-1.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	4.18%	-1.45%

Volatility

QSMLX vs. FRDM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund (QSMLX) is 5.28%, while Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) has a volatility of 11.03%. This indicates that QSMLX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FRDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QSMLX	FRDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.28%	11.03%	-5.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.55%	21.65%	-8.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.52%	24.50%	-4.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.48%	20.80%	+1.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.19%	22.77%	+0.42%

QSMLX vs. FRDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSMLX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than FRDM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSMLX vs. FRDM - Dividend Comparison

QSMLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.45%, more than FRDM's 1.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	1.51%	2.26%	2.53%	2.66%	2.72%	2.17%	1.11%	1.07%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QSMLX AQR Small Cap Multi-Style Fund	8.45%	10.31%	13.88%	6.74%	0.87%	6.13%	1.77%	0.97%	13.57%	10.71%	2.53%	0.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QSMLX and FRDM in my portfolio?

QSMLX and FRDM have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QSMLX or FRDM?

FRDM has higher volatility (11.03%) compared to QSMLX (5.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSMLX dropped -44.38% vs FRDM's -40.49%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRDM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.00 vs 2.35), 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.