SAMM vs. MTUM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SAMM (Strategas Macro Momentum ETF) and MTUM (iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF) are both Momentum funds. SAMM is actively managed, while MTUM is passively managed. Over the past year, SAMM returned 19.53% vs 39.62% for MTUM. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SAMM charges 0.66%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for MTUM.

Performance

SAMM vs. MTUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strategas Macro Momentum ETF (SAMM) and iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAMM achieves a 6.77% return, which is significantly lower than MTUM's 31.46% return.

SAMM

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 6.77%
• 6M: 4.99%
• 1Y: 19.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MTUM

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 8.29%
• YTD: 31.46%
• 6M: 28.81%
• 1Y: 39.62%
• 3Y*: 33.68%
• 5Y*: 15.03%
• 10Y*: 17.44%

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

SAMM vs. MTUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SAMM Strategas Macro Momentum ETF	6.77%	12.01%	8.32%
MTUM iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF	31.46%	22.15%	10.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SAMM and MTUM is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2024	0.82

The correlation between SAMM and MTUM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAMM vs. MTUM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAMM	MTUM
Industrials	22.3%	15.0%
Technology	19.7%	50.2%
Basic Materials	14.3%	2.3%
Healthcare	9.9%	3.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	2.9%
Financial Services	8.9%	5.0%
Energy	8.7%	10.5%
Utilities	3.3%	0.6%
Communication Services	3.2%	5.1%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	3.7%
Real Estate	-	1.3%

Return for Risk

SAMM vs. MTUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAMM

SAMM Risk / Return Rank: 40
SAMM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
SAMM Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
SAMM Omega Ratio Rank: 31
SAMM Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
SAMM Martin Ratio Rank: 50

MTUM

MTUM Risk / Return Rank: 66
MTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
MTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
MTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 61
MTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
MTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

SAMM vs. MTUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strategas Macro Momentum ETF (SAMM) and iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM). 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.

	SAMM	MTUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	1.82	-0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	2.43	-0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.33	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	3.45	-1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.52	13.13	-5.61

SAMM vs. MTUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAMM Sharpe Ratio is 1.05, which is lower than the MTUM Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAMM and MTUM, 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

SAMM vs. MTUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAMM drawdown since its inception was -24.09%, smaller than the maximum MTUM drawdown of -34.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAMM and MTUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAMM	MTUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.09%	-34.08%	+9.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.43%	-11.54%	+3.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.99%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.28%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.58%	-4.87%	-0.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.37%	-6.19%	+1.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.60%	3.03%	-0.43%

Volatility

SAMM vs. MTUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Strategas Macro Momentum ETF (SAMM) is 8.75%, while iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) has a volatility of 12.23%. This indicates that SAMM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MTUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAMM	MTUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.75%	12.23%	-3.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.84%	19.36%	-4.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.74%	21.89%	-3.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.39%	21.15%	-1.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.39%	21.31%	-1.92%

SAMM vs. MTUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAMM has a 0.66% expense ratio, which is higher than MTUM's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAMM vs. MTUM - Dividend Comparison

SAMM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%, more than MTUM's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MTUM iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF	0.56%	0.91%	0.75%	1.35%	1.80%	0.55%	0.83%	1.48%	1.27%	1.02%	1.43%	1.12%
SAMM Strategas Macro Momentum ETF	0.97%	1.03%	0.70%	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 SAMM and MTUM in my portfolio?

SAMM and MTUM have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAMM or MTUM?

MTUM has higher volatility (12.23%) compared to SAMM (8.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAMM dropped -24.09% vs MTUM's -34.08%.

Which ETF is better, SAMM or MTUM?

On 1-year performance, MTUM leads with 39.62% vs 19.53% for SAMM. On fees, MTUM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, SAMM has been the lower-risk option at 8.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAMM or MTUM?

Over the 1-year period, MTUM has performed better with a 39.62% return vs 19.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAMM or MTUM?

MTUM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for SAMM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SAMM or MTUM?

SAMM has the higher dividend yield at 0.97%, compared with 0.56% for MTUM.

What is the main difference between SAMM and MTUM?

They also come from different issuers: Strategas and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.66% for SAMM and 0.15% for MTUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MTUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.05), 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.