RCTR vs. MDST

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

RCTR (First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF) and MDST (Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. RCTR is passively managed, while MDST is actively managed. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RCTR charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for MDST.

Performance

RCTR vs. MDST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) and Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RCTR achieves a 8.96% return, which is significantly lower than MDST's 16.23% return.

RCTR

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: -6.46%
• YTD: 8.96%
• 6M: 4.46%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MDST

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 16.23%
• 6M: 15.14%
• 1Y: 20.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RCTR vs. MDST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RCTR First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF	8.96%	7.23%
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	16.23%	-0.65%

Correlation

The correlation between RCTR and MDST is 0.01, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 1, 2025	0.01

Return for Risk

RCTR vs. MDST — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDST

MDST Risk / Return Rank: 53
MDST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
MDST Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
MDST Omega Ratio Rank: 50
MDST Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
MDST Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

RCTR vs. MDST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) and Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RCTR	MDST	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	1.20	-0.43

Drawdowns

RCTR vs. MDST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RCTR drawdown since its inception was -14.66%, roughly equal to the maximum MDST drawdown of -14.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RCTR and MDST.

Drawdown Indicators

	RCTR	MDST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.66%	-14.19%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.74%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.31%	-2.45%	-6.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.63%	-2.17%	-2.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.37%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RCTR	MDST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.99%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.38%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.62%	12.11%	+14.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.62%	16.12%	+10.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.62%	16.12%	+10.50%

RCTR vs. MDST - Expense Ratio Comparison

RCTR has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than MDST's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

RCTR vs. MDST - Dividend Comparison

RCTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.41%, less than MDST's 9.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	9.22%	10.22%	6.60%
RCTR First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF	0.41%	0.36%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RCTR and MDST in my portfolio?

RCTR and MDST have a correlation of 0.01, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, RCTR or MDST?

On fees, RCTR is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RCTR or MDST?

RCTR is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for MDST.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RCTR or MDST?

MDST has the higher dividend yield at 9.22%, compared with 0.41% for RCTR.

What is the main difference between RCTR and MDST?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Westwood. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for RCTR and 0.80% for MDST.