STXK vs. FDM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

STXK (Strive Small-Cap ETF) and FDM (First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - STXK tracks the Bloomberg US 600 Index - Benchmark TR Gross while FDM tracks the Dow Jones Select Microcap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, STXK returned 14.24%/yr vs 18.03%/yr for FDM. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. STXK charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FDM.

Performance

STXK vs. FDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK) and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STXK achieves a 10.46% return, which is significantly higher than FDM's 7.48% return.

STXK

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 2.04%
• YTD: 10.46%
• 6M: 9.14%
• 1Y: 25.86%
• 3Y*: 14.24%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDM

• 1D: -2.13%
• 1M: -2.89%
• YTD: 7.48%
• 6M: 7.77%
• 1Y: 27.59%
• 3Y*: 18.03%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 11.42%

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

STXK vs. FDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
STXK Strive Small-Cap ETF	10.46%	7.82%	9.47%	20.15%	-4.99%
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	7.48%	18.64%	13.00%	12.76%	-4.86%

Correlation

The correlation between STXK and FDM 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	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 11, 2022	0.87

The correlation between STXK and FDM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

STXK vs. FDM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	STXK	FDM
Technology	16.4%	6.2%
Financial Services	15.8%	41.2%
Industrials	14.6%	16.4%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	10.0%
Healthcare	12.2%	6.2%
Real Estate	7.4%	1.4%
Energy	7.0%	5.0%
Basic Materials	4.5%	4.2%
Utilities	3.2%	1.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	4.7%
Communication Services	2.2%	3.7%

Return for Risk

STXK vs. FDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

STXK

STXK Risk / Return Rank: 48
STXK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
STXK Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
STXK Omega Ratio Rank: 42
STXK Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
STXK Martin Ratio Rank: 54

FDM

FDM Risk / Return Rank: 47
FDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
FDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FDM Omega Ratio Rank: 39
FDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FDM Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

STXK vs. FDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK) and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM). 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.

	STXK	FDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.47	+0.08
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	2.18	+0.12
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.26	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	2.98	-0.33
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.12	9.04	+0.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

STXK vs. FDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STXK Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the FDM Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STXK and FDM, 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

	STXK	FDM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.55	1.47	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.34	+0.25

Drawdowns

STXK vs. FDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STXK drawdown since its inception was -27.12%, smaller than the maximum FDM drawdown of -63.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STXK and FDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	STXK	FDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.12%	-63.45%	+36.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.81%	-9.30%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.12%	-23.47%	-3.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	-4.31%	+3.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.61%	-11.35%	+5.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	3.06%	-0.22%

Volatility

STXK vs. FDM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK) is 4.21%, while First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM) has a volatility of 4.50%. This indicates that STXK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STXK	FDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.21%	4.50%	-0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.55%	13.22%	-1.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.86%	18.90%	-2.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.12%	21.39%	-1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.12%	23.36%	-3.24%

STXK vs. FDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

STXK has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than FDM's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

STXK vs. FDM - Dividend Comparison

STXK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.39%, more than FDM's 1.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	1.28%	1.43%	1.56%	1.81%	1.80%	1.08%	1.68%	1.37%	1.26%	0.97%	1.13%	1.45%
STXK Strive Small-Cap ETF	1.39%	1.29%	1.64%	1.14%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STXK and FDM in my portfolio?

STXK and FDM 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, STXK or FDM?

FDM has higher volatility (4.50%) compared to STXK (4.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STXK dropped -27.12% vs FDM's -63.45%.

Which ETF is better, STXK or FDM?

On 3-year performance, FDM leads with 18.03% vs 14.24% for STXK. On fees, STXK is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, STXK has been the lower-risk option at 4.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STXK or FDM?

Over the 3-year period, FDM has performed better with a 18.03% return vs 14.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STXK or FDM?

STXK is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FDM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STXK or FDM?

STXK has the higher dividend yield at 1.39%, compared with 1.28% for FDM.

What is the main difference between STXK and FDM?

STXK tracks Bloomberg US 600 Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while FDM tracks Dow Jones Select Microcap Index. They also come from different issuers: Strive and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for STXK and 0.60% for FDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STXK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 1.47), 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.