RAYJ vs. FJP

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RAYJ (Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF) and FJP (First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund) are both Japan Equities funds. RAYJ is actively managed, while FJP is passively managed. Over the past year, RAYJ returned 44.44% vs 41.47% for FJP. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RAYJ charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FJP.

Performance

RAYJ vs. FJP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ) and First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RAYJ achieves a 32.28% return, which is significantly higher than FJP's 18.70% return.

RAYJ

• 1D: 2.06%
• 1M: 8.38%
• YTD: 32.28%
• 6M: 30.75%
• 1Y: 44.44%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FJP

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 4.57%
• YTD: 18.70%
• 6M: 18.90%
• 1Y: 41.47%
• 3Y*: 22.61%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 8.26%

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

RAYJ vs. FJP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RAYJ Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF	32.28%	20.16%	10.53%
FJP First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund	18.70%	33.60%	-2.53%

Correlation

The correlation between RAYJ and FJP is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2024	0.72

The correlation between RAYJ and FJP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

RAYJ vs. FJP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RAYJ	FJP
Industrials	29.6%	43.7%
Consumer Cyclical	23.8%	12.4%
Technology	23.2%	10.7%
Basic Materials	7.5%	10.4%
Financial Services	6.6%	5.5%
Healthcare	3.5%	3.4%
Real Estate	2.8%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	0.8%
Communication Services	1.5%	1.0%
Energy	-	3.4%
Utilities	-	5.7%

Return for Risk

RAYJ vs. FJP — Risk / Return Rank

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

RAYJ

RAYJ Risk / Return Rank: 58
RAYJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
RAYJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
RAYJ Omega Ratio Rank: 52
RAYJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
RAYJ Martin Ratio Rank: 58

FJP

FJP Risk / Return Rank: 58
FJP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
FJP Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FJP Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FJP Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FJP Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

RAYJ vs. FJP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ) and First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP). 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.

	RAYJ	FJP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.00	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	2.71	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.35	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	2.89	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.06	8.46	+1.60

RAYJ vs. FJP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RAYJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the FJP Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RAYJ and FJP, 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

RAYJ vs. FJP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAYJ drawdown since its inception was -15.96%, smaller than the maximum FJP drawdown of -41.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAYJ and FJP.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAYJ	FJP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.96%	-41.51%	+25.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.00%	-14.43%	+0.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.02%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.88%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.51%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.72%	+2.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.52%	-11.44%	+7.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.43%	4.92%	-0.49%

Volatility

RAYJ vs. FJP - Volatility Comparison

Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ) and First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP) have volatilities of 7.35% and 7.12%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RAYJ	FJP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.35%	7.12%	+0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.15%	17.54%	+0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.08%	20.92%	+3.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.95%	20.48%	+2.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.95%	18.91%	+4.04%

RAYJ vs. FJP - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAYJ has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is lower than FJP's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

RAYJ vs. FJP - Dividend Comparison

RAYJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.26%, more than FJP's 2.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FJP First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund	2.40%	2.68%	3.18%	3.49%	2.21%	2.43%	0.99%	2.80%	1.54%	1.29%	1.46%	0.85%
RAYJ Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF	4.26%	1.72%	0.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RAYJ and FJP in my portfolio?

RAYJ and FJP have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RAYJ or FJP?

RAYJ has higher volatility (7.35%) compared to FJP (7.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RAYJ dropped -15.96% vs FJP's -41.51%.

Which ETF is better, RAYJ or FJP?

On 1-year performance, RAYJ leads with 44.44% vs 41.47% for FJP. On fees, RAYJ is cheaper at 0.72% per year. On volatility, FJP has been the lower-risk option at 7.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RAYJ or FJP?

Over the 1-year period, RAYJ has performed better with a 44.44% return vs 41.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RAYJ or FJP?

RAYJ is cheaper with a 0.72% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FJP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RAYJ or FJP?

RAYJ has the higher dividend yield at 4.26%, compared with 2.40% for FJP.

What is the main difference between RAYJ and FJP?

They also come from different issuers: Rayliant and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.72% for RAYJ and 0.80% for FJP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FJP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.86), 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.