SDMF vs. FTXH

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SDMF (Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF) and FTXH (First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDMF is a Systematic Trend fund tracking the DBi CTA Managed Futures Index, while FTXH is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Pharmaceuticals Index. Both are passively managed. At a correlation of -0.20, they often move in opposite directions. SDMF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXH.

Performance

SDMF vs. FTXH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF (SDMF) and First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SDMF

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 1.14%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTXH

• 1D: 1.59%
• 1M: 8.29%
• 6M: 15.60%
• YTD: 17.45%
• 1Y: 48.05%
• 3Y*: 15.75%
• 5Y*: 9.96%
• 10Y*: —

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

SDMF vs. FTXH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SDMF Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF	1.98%
FTXH First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF	9.86%

Correlation

The correlation between SDMF and FTXH is -0.20, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2026	-0.20

Return for Risk

SDMF vs. FTXH — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDMF

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

FTXH

FTXH Risk / Return Rank: 94
FTXH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
FTXH Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
FTXH Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FTXH Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FTXH Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

SDMF vs. FTXH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF (SDMF) and First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH). 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.

	SDMF	FTXH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.77	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.10	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.46	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	6.46	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	18.87	—

Drawdowns

SDMF vs. FTXH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDMF drawdown since its inception was -6.23%, smaller than the maximum FTXH drawdown of -32.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDMF and FTXH.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDMF	FTXH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.23%	-32.11%	+25.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.47%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.51%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.51%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.35%	-2.35%	+1.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.15%	-5.78%	+3.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.55%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SDMF	FTXH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.77%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.65%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.65%	17.51%	-4.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.65%	16.52%	-3.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.65%	18.44%	-5.79%

SDMF vs. FTXH - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDMF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXH's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDMF vs. FTXH - Dividend Comparison

SDMF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than FTXH's 1.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTXH First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF	1.10%	1.41%	1.66%	1.55%	1.11%	1.03%	0.82%	0.67%	0.91%	2.18%	0.19%
SDMF Simplify DBi CTA Managed Futures Index ETF	0.39%	0.00%	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 SDMF and FTXH in my portfolio?

SDMF and FTXH have a correlation of -0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SDMF or FTXH?

On fees, SDMF is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDMF or FTXH?

SDMF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDMF or FTXH?

FTXH has the higher dividend yield at 1.10%, compared with 0.39% for SDMF.

What is the main difference between SDMF and FTXH?

SDMF is categorized as Systematic Trend, while FTXH is Health & Biotech Equities. SDMF tracks DBi CTA Managed Futures Index, while FTXH tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Pharmaceuticals Index. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SDMF and 0.60% for FTXH.