SMCP vs. FDM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMCP (AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF) and FDM (First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - SMCP tracks the Actively Managed while FDM tracks the Dow Jones Select Microcap Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMCP charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FDM.

Performance

SMCP vs. FDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF (SMCP) and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SMCP

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -25.99%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDM

• 1D: -2.13%
• 1M: -2.89%
• YTD: 7.48%
• 6M: 7.77%
• 1Y: 27.59%
• 3Y*: 18.03%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 11.42%

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

SMCP vs. FDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SMCP AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF	-25.99%
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	-1.82%

Correlation

The correlation between SMCP and FDM is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 9, 2026	0.19

SMCP vs. FDM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMCP	FDM
Financial Services	98.8%	41.2%
Industrials	13.1%	16.4%
Technology	11.1%	6.2%
Healthcare	11.0%	6.2%
Consumer Defensive	8.1%	4.7%
Basic Materials	7.9%	4.2%
Energy	7.6%	5.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	10.0%
Communication Services	4.0%	3.7%
Real Estate	3.1%	1.4%
Utilities	3.0%	1.0%

Return for Risk

SMCP vs. FDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDM

FDM Risk / Return Rank: 47
FDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
FDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FDM Omega Ratio Rank: 39
FDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FDM 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.

SMCP vs. FDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF (SMCP) and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM). 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

	SMCP	FDM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.43	0.34	-1.78

Drawdowns

SMCP vs. FDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMCP drawdown since its inception was -27.86%, smaller than the maximum FDM drawdown of -63.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMCP and FDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMCP	FDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.86%	-63.45%	+35.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.30%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.47%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.99%	-4.31%	-21.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.33%	-11.35%	+6.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.06%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMCP	FDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.50%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.22%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.62%	18.90%	+24.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.62%	21.39%	+22.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	43.62%	23.36%	+20.26%

SMCP vs. FDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMCP has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than FDM's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMCP vs. FDM - Dividend Comparison

SMCP has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	1.28%	1.43%	1.56%	1.81%	1.80%	1.08%	1.68%	1.37%	1.26%	0.97%	1.13%	1.45%
SMCP AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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 SMCP and FDM in my portfolio?

SMCP and FDM have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SMCP or FDM?

On fees, FDM is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMCP or FDM?

FDM is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for SMCP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMCP or FDM?

FDM has the higher dividend yield at 1.28%, compared with 0.00% for SMCP.

What is the main difference between SMCP and FDM?

SMCP tracks Actively Managed, while FDM tracks Dow Jones Select Microcap Index. They also come from different issuers: AlphaMark Advisors and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for SMCP and 0.60% for FDM.