SMIZ vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SMIZ (Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMIZ is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Zacks, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SMIZ returned 35.79% vs 26.86% for FAAR. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMIZ charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

SMIZ vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with SMIZ having a 19.46% return and FAAR slightly higher at 20.23%.

SMIZ

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 5.01%
• YTD: 19.46%
• 6M: 16.37%
• 1Y: 35.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -4.34%
• YTD: 20.23%
• 6M: 19.92%
• 1Y: 26.86%
• 3Y*: 10.91%
• 5Y*: 7.89%
• 10Y*: 4.79%

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

SMIZ vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SMIZ Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF	19.46%	12.16%	17.92%	16.16%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	20.23%	8.07%	5.97%	-3.31%

Correlation

The correlation between SMIZ and FAAR is -0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2023	0.01

Return for Risk

SMIZ vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMIZ

SMIZ Risk / Return Rank: 67
SMIZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
SMIZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SMIZ Omega Ratio Rank: 61
SMIZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
SMIZ Martin Ratio Rank: 74

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 70
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 58
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

SMIZ vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	SMIZ	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	2.02	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	2.89	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.35	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.42	4.75	-1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.56	14.70	-1.14

SMIZ vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMIZ Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMIZ and FAAR, 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

SMIZ vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMIZ drawdown since its inception was -25.04%, which is greater than FAAR's maximum drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMIZ and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMIZ	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.04%	-18.03%	-7.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.51%	-5.68%	-4.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-5.43%	+5.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.92%	-7.82%	+3.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	1.89%	+0.76%

Volatility

SMIZ vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) has a higher volatility of 5.65% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.47%. This indicates that SMIZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMIZ	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.65%	2.47%	+3.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.42%	9.68%	+3.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.36%	13.37%	+3.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.96%	12.95%	+6.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.96%	11.53%	+7.43%

SMIZ vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMIZ has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMIZ vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

SMIZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.52%, less than FAAR's 9.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.57%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
SMIZ Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF	0.52%	0.62%	1.57%	0.07%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMIZ and FAAR in my portfolio?

SMIZ and FAAR have a correlation of -0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMIZ or FAAR?

SMIZ has higher volatility (5.65%) compared to FAAR (2.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMIZ dropped -25.04% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, SMIZ or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, SMIZ leads with 35.79% vs 26.86% for FAAR. On fees, SMIZ is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMIZ or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, SMIZ has performed better with a 35.79% return vs 26.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMIZ or FAAR?

SMIZ is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMIZ or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.57%, compared with 0.52% for SMIZ.

What is the main difference between SMIZ and FAAR?

SMIZ is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Zacks and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.56% for SMIZ and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMIZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 2.02), 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.