SMDV vs. FYX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SMDV (ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF) and FYX (First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - SMDV tracks the Russell 2000 Dividend Growth Index while FYX tracks the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Core Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SMDV returned 7.27%/yr vs 12.45%/yr for FYX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMDV charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for FYX.

Performance

SMDV vs. FYX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) and First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMDV achieves a 17.34% return, which is significantly lower than FYX's 25.04% return. Over the past 10 years, SMDV has underperformed FYX with an annualized return of 7.27%, while FYX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.45% annualized return.

SMDV

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 2.67%
• 6M: 13.08%
• YTD: 17.34%
• 1Y: 17.36%
• 3Y*: 11.77%
• 5Y*: 7.01%
• 10Y*: 7.27%

FYX

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 1.59%
• 6M: 18.15%
• YTD: 25.04%
• 1Y: 42.73%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 10.64%
• 10Y*: 12.45%

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

SMDV vs. FYX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMDV ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF	17.34%	0.26%	7.03%	8.99%	-5.90%	18.98%	-4.74%	17.23%	-0.58%	4.63%
FYX First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	25.04%	12.68%	12.22%	18.30%	-18.41%	27.43%	19.48%	21.32%	-10.64%	14.34%

Correlation

The correlation between SMDV and FYX is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2015	0.84

The correlation between SMDV and FYX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

SMDV vs. FYX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMDV	FYX
Financial Services	32.8%	17.3%
Industrials	21.9%	16.6%
Utilities	15.7%	1.6%
Basic Materials	8.3%	4.5%
Real Estate	7.5%	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	5.3%
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	11.7%
Technology	2.5%	11.7%
Healthcare	1.6%	14.0%
Communication Services	1.1%	3.1%
Energy	-	5.7%

Return for Risk

SMDV vs. FYX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMDV

SMDV Risk / Return Rank: 42
SMDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SMDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
SMDV Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SMDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
SMDV Martin Ratio Rank: 43

FYX

FYX Risk / Return Rank: 90
FYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FYX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
FYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
FYX 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.

SMDV vs. FYX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) and First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX). 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.

	SMDV	FYX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	2.36	-1.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	3.41	-1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.40	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	5.68	-3.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.50	18.41	-12.91

SMDV vs. FYX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMDV Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is lower than the FYX Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMDV and FYX, 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

SMDV vs. FYX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMDV drawdown since its inception was -34.12%, smaller than the maximum FYX drawdown of -61.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMDV and FYX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMDV	FYX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.12%	-61.80%	+27.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.79%	-7.56%	-2.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.23%	-27.91%	+6.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.23%	-27.91%	+6.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.12%	-48.82%	+14.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.24%	-2.43%	+1.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.89%	-10.83%	+4.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	2.33%	+0.84%

Volatility

SMDV vs. FYX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) is 3.78%, while First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) has a volatility of 4.31%. This indicates that SMDV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FYX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMDV	FYX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.78%	4.31%	-0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.51%	12.17%	-1.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.39%	18.23%	-2.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.57%	21.91%	-3.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.72%	24.15%	-3.43%

SMDV vs. FYX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMDV has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than FYX's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMDV vs. FYX - Dividend Comparison

SMDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.30%, more than FYX's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FYX First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	0.91%	0.64%	1.62%	1.22%	0.95%	0.99%	0.65%	1.12%	1.08%	0.60%	0.94%	0.88%
SMDV ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF	2.30%	2.67%	2.68%	2.69%	2.51%	2.02%	2.13%	2.03%	1.97%	1.84%	1.35%	1.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMDV and FYX in my portfolio?

SMDV and FYX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMDV or FYX?

FYX has higher volatility (4.31%) compared to SMDV (3.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMDV dropped -34.12% vs FYX's -61.80%.

Which ETF is better, SMDV or FYX?

On 10-year performance, FYX leads with 12.45% vs 7.27% for SMDV. On fees, SMDV is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, SMDV has been the lower-risk option at 3.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMDV or FYX?

Over the 10-year period, FYX has performed better with a 12.45% return vs 7.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMDV or FYX?

SMDV is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FYX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMDV or FYX?

SMDV has the higher dividend yield at 2.30%, compared with 0.91% for FYX.

What is the main difference between SMDV and FYX?

SMDV tracks Russell 2000 Dividend Growth Index, while FYX tracks Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Core Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SMDV and 0.63% for FYX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FYX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 1.13), 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.