SMCP vs. MSSM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMCP (AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF) and MSSM (Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SMCP is passively managed, while MSSM is actively managed. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMCP charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for MSSM.

Performance

SMCP vs. MSSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF (SMCP) and Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM). 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*: —

MSSM

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 3.77%
• YTD: 17.34%
• 6M: 17.18%
• 1Y: 35.45%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMCP vs. MSSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SMCP AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF	-25.99%
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	8.21%

Correlation

The correlation between SMCP and MSSM is 0.26, 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	0.26

Return for Risk

SMCP vs. MSSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSSM

MSSM Risk / Return Rank: 67
MSSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
MSSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
MSSM Omega Ratio Rank: 58
MSSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
MSSM 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.

SMCP vs. MSSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF (SMCP) and Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM). 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	MSSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.07	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.43	0.73	-2.16

Drawdowns

SMCP vs. MSSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMCP drawdown since its inception was -27.86%, which is greater than MSSM's maximum drawdown of -24.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMCP and MSSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMCP	MSSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.86%	-24.18%	-3.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.50%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.99%	-0.79%	-25.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.33%	-4.67%	-0.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.46%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMCP	MSSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.05%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.76%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.62%	17.27%	+26.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.62%	20.91%	+22.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	43.62%	20.91%	+22.71%

SMCP vs. MSSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMCP has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than MSSM's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMCP vs. MSSM - Dividend Comparison

SMCP has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MSSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%.

Position	TTM	2025
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	2.69%	3.15%
SMCP AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMCP and MSSM in my portfolio?

SMCP and MSSM have a correlation of 0.26, 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 MSSM?

On fees, MSSM is cheaper at 0.62% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMCP or MSSM?

MSSM is cheaper with a 0.62% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for SMCP.

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

MSSM has the higher dividend yield at 2.69%, compared with 0.00% for SMCP.

What is the main difference between SMCP and MSSM?

They also come from different issuers: AlphaMark Advisors and Morgan Stanley. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for SMCP and 0.62% for MSSM.