SMIG vs. FNK

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SMIG (Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF) and FNK (First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. SMIG is actively managed, while FNK is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SMIG returned 13.91%/yr vs 13.76%/yr for FNK. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMIG charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FNK.

Performance

SMIG vs. FNK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) and First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FNK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMIG achieves a 13.96% return, which is significantly higher than FNK's 10.22% return.

SMIG

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 2.25%
• YTD: 13.96%
• 6M: 12.44%
• 1Y: 14.96%
• 3Y*: 13.91%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FNK

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: 3.02%
• YTD: 10.22%
• 6M: 8.84%
• 1Y: 20.42%
• 3Y*: 13.76%
• 5Y*: 8.02%
• 10Y*: 10.05%

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

SMIG vs. FNK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SMIG Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF	13.96%	0.78%	17.63%	13.62%	-11.83%	5.23%
FNK First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	10.22%	5.65%	6.65%	21.03%	-7.24%	3.73%

Correlation

The correlation between SMIG and FNK is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 26, 2021	0.90

The correlation between SMIG and FNK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

SMIG vs. FNK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMIG	FNK
Financial Services	21.1%	25.8%
Industrials	18.2%	10.7%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	20.3%
Technology	10.7%	7.7%
Energy	10.4%	9.3%
Utilities	9.8%	4.3%
Real Estate	9.8%	9.0%
Healthcare	2.7%	3.9%
Communication Services	2.2%	1.4%
Basic Materials	2.0%	3.8%
Consumer Defensive	1.9%	3.7%

Return for Risk

SMIG vs. FNK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMIG

SMIG Risk / Return Rank: 38
SMIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SMIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
SMIG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SMIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
SMIG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

FNK

FNK Risk / Return Rank: 45
FNK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
FNK Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
FNK Omega Ratio Rank: 41
FNK Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
FNK Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

SMIG vs. FNK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) and First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FNK). 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.

	SMIG	FNK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.34	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	2.09	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.24	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.76	2.25	-0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.59	6.49	-1.90

SMIG vs. FNK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the FNK Sharpe Ratio of 1.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMIG and FNK, 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

SMIG vs. FNK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMIG drawdown since its inception was -19.65%, smaller than the maximum FNK drawdown of -50.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMIG and FNK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMIG	FNK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.65%	-50.70%	+31.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.52%	-9.13%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.23%	-25.16%	+5.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.16%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.60%	+0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.48%	-6.82%	+0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	3.16%	+0.11%

Volatility

SMIG vs. FNK - Volatility Comparison

Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) and First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FNK) have volatilities of 3.53% and 3.46%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMIG	FNK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.53%	3.46%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.51%	9.73%	-1.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.04%	15.29%	-3.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.15%	21.00%	-4.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.15%	23.82%	-7.67%

SMIG vs. FNK - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMIG has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than FNK's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMIG vs. FNK - Dividend Comparison

SMIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.69%, more than FNK's 1.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNK First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	1.52%	1.53%	1.63%	1.76%	1.66%	1.27%	1.61%	1.82%	1.76%	1.40%	1.38%	1.45%
SMIG Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF	1.69%	1.82%	1.75%	1.91%	2.00%	0.50%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMIG and FNK in my portfolio?

SMIG and FNK have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMIG or FNK?

SMIG has higher volatility (3.53%) compared to FNK (3.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMIG dropped -19.65% vs FNK's -50.70%.

Which ETF is better, SMIG or FNK?

On 3-year performance, SMIG leads with 13.91% vs 13.76% for FNK. On fees, SMIG is cheaper at 0.60% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMIG or FNK?

Over the 3-year period, SMIG has performed better with a 13.91% return vs 13.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMIG or FNK?

SMIG is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FNK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMIG or FNK?

SMIG has the higher dividend yield at 1.69%, compared with 1.52% for FNK.

What is the main difference between SMIG and FNK?

They also come from different issuers: Bahl & Gaynor and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SMIG and 0.70% for FNK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.34 vs 1.25), 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.