SMIZ vs. FTDS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMIZ (Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. SMIZ is actively managed, while FTDS is passively managed. Over the past year, SMIZ returned 30.97% vs 18.40% for FTDS. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMIZ charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

SMIZ vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMIZ achieves a 15.79% return, which is significantly higher than FTDS's 6.54% return.

SMIZ

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 3.15%
• YTD: 15.79%
• 6M: 14.09%
• 1Y: 30.97%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTDS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -2.16%
• YTD: 6.54%
• 6M: 6.72%
• 1Y: 18.40%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: 6.32%
• 10Y*: 10.75%

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

SMIZ vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SMIZ Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF	15.79%	12.16%	17.92%	16.39%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	6.54%	13.64%	11.12%	14.28%

Correlation

The correlation between SMIZ and FTDS is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 4, 2023	0.70

The correlation between SMIZ and FTDS shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (1 year) to 0.70 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SMIZ vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMIZ	FTDS
Technology	24.7%	9.4%
Industrials	21.6%	19.8%
Financial Services	21.0%	27.9%
Healthcare	8.1%	9.4%
Consumer Cyclical	6.1%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	1.9%
Real Estate	3.5%	-
Basic Materials	3.1%	8.0%
Energy	2.9%	20.2%
Utilities	2.6%	-
Communication Services	2.4%	-

Return for Risk

SMIZ vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMIZ

SMIZ Risk / Return Rank: 58
SMIZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
SMIZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
SMIZ Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SMIZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
SMIZ Martin Ratio Rank: 65

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 45
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 39
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). 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.

	SMIZ	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.44	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	2.19	+0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.25	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.96	2.81	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.82	7.56	+4.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMIZ vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMIZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMIZ and FTDS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SMIZ	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.86	1.44	+0.42
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.29	0.32	+0.97

Drawdowns

SMIZ vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMIZ drawdown since its inception was -25.04%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMIZ and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMIZ	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.04%	-56.53%	+31.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.51%	-6.57%	-3.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.04%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.35%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.83%	-4.46%	+3.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.97%	-9.87%	+5.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.63%	2.44%	+0.19%

Volatility

SMIZ vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) has a higher volatility of 4.59% compared to First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) at 3.48%. This indicates that SMIZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTDS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMIZ	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.59%	3.48%	+1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.79%	8.87%	+3.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.76%	12.92%	+3.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.89%	17.65%	+1.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.89%	20.14%	-1.25%

SMIZ vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMIZ has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMIZ vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

SMIZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%, less than FTDS's 1.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.66%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%
SMIZ Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF	0.53%	0.62%	1.57%	0.07%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMIZ and FTDS in my portfolio?

SMIZ and FTDS have a correlation of 0.58, 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 FTDS?

SMIZ has higher volatility (4.59%) compared to FTDS (3.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMIZ dropped -25.04% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, SMIZ or FTDS?

On 1-year performance, SMIZ leads with 30.97% vs 18.40% for FTDS. On fees, SMIZ is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMIZ or FTDS?

Over the 1-year period, SMIZ has performed better with a 30.97% return vs 18.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMIZ or FTDS?

SMIZ is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

FTDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.66%, compared with 0.53% for SMIZ.

What is the main difference between SMIZ and FTDS?

They also come from different issuers: Zacks and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.56% for SMIZ and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMIZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.44), 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.